Two-day pink-ball contest to add flair to Ashes summer
The iconic Prime Minister’s XI match returns to Manuka Oval in November, with confirmation that the PM’s XI will take on an England XI in a two-day, day-night pink-ball fixture on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November 2025.
This marks the eleventh time England has faced the PM’s XI, and the first time the teams will compete using the pink Kookaburra ball, adding a fresh layer of intrigue to one of Australian cricket’s most enduring traditions.
A decade since a high-scoring classic
This year’s fixture also commemorates a decade since the two sides last met in 2015. That match was a 50-over thriller where Ian Bell’s 187 off 145 balls powered England to victory, despite a stunning 136 from Glenn Maxwell.
The PM’s XI match is more than just a game — it’s a symbol of sporting excellence, diplomatic tradition, and transnational friendship. With the Men’s Ashes series underway, the rivalry will be in full swing, heightening excitement for this unique contest in the nation’s capital.
Manuka Oval set for blockbuster summer
The match adds to a packed calendar of international cricket at Manuka Oval, which also includes:
Men’s T20I: Australia vs India – Wednesday 29 October 2025
Women’s T20I: Australia vs India – Thursday 19 February 2026
Tickets to the PM’s XI match are on sale now, with fans encouraged to book early for what promises to be a memorable day-night encounter.
Squad selection to be led by PM Albanese and Cricket Australia
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will consult with Cricket Australia Chair of Selectors George Bailey and selector Tony Dodemaide in the coming months to finalise the PM’s XI squad.
“An Ashes series is something every cricket fan looks forward to,” said Prime Minister Albanese. “I look forward to meeting with selectors to choose a squad that showcases the best emerging talent from across Australia.”
Cricket Australia welcomes England’s return
Cricket Australia Chair Mike Baird AO expressed his enthusiasm for the fixture:
“The Prime Minister’s XI match is a fantastic tradition. It honours the legacy of the game and provides a platform for rising talent. We’re delighted to welcome England back and thank the Prime Minister for his ongoing support.”
Baird added that the fixture presents a fantastic opportunity to engage the ACT community, including local kids, families, and budding cricketers, in celebrating the rich cricketing history between Australia and England.
Don’t miss the pink-ball Ashes build-up
As anticipation builds ahead of this historic pink-ball contest, fans are urged to secure their tickets and be part of a landmark event in Canberra’s cricket calendar — one that celebrates rivalry, talent, and tradition.
