The 2025 Top End T20 Series is set to be the biggest edition yet, with a record 11 teams confirmed—including five Big Bash League (BBL) Academy squads, three international teams, and regional Australian sides. Sponsored by Tourism NT, the fast-growing winter tournament will again be held in Darwin, Northern Territory.
BBL champions and ICC full members headline elite 2025 lineup
Leading the 2025 roster are the BBL|14 Champions Hobart Hurricanes Academy, who will be joined by Academy squads from the Perth Scorchers, Melbourne Stars, Melbourne Renegades, and Adelaide Strikers.
On the international front, Nepal’s National Team, Pakistan Shaheens, Bangladesh ‘A’, and Chicago Kingsmen (USA) will compete alongside Australian domestic outfits ACT Comets and NT Strike.
Top End T20 growth reflects global T20 franchise momentum
The tournament has grown from just five teams in 2023 to 11 teams in 2025, mirroring the global surge in franchise T20 cricket and the demand for more off-season playing opportunities for emerging players. The event serves as a development platform for BBL franchises and international teams alike.
Elite talent and global audience driving attention
The 2024 edition featured stars such as Will Sutherland, Jake Weatherald, D’Arcy Short, Marcus Harris, Jhye Richardson, and Kane Richardson. Broadcast in over 129 countries, the tournament reached a unique audience of 1.3 million and a total viewership of 12.8 million.
What stakeholders are saying
“The growth of the Top End T20 Series has just been phenomenal,” said NT Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey. “To now have two ICC Full Members, one Associate Member, and more than half the Big Bash franchises involved is just fantastic.”
“It’s a great opportunity for both our established and emerging players to test themselves against BBL squads and international sides,” said Melbourne Renegades GM James Rosengarten.
“We’ve deliberately left a couple of spots on our list open,” added Melbourne Stars GM Max Abbott, “so our younger players can use this tournament to break through.”
2025 Top End T20: Full team list confirmed
- Nepal National Team
- Pakistan Shaheens
- Bangladesh ‘A’
- Chicago Kingsmen
- Hobart Hurricanes Academy
- Perth Scorchers Academy
- Adelaide Strikers Academy
- Melbourne Stars Academy
- Melbourne Renegades Academy
- ACT Comets
- NT Strike
A full match schedule for the 2025 Top End T20 Series is expected to be released soon.
The tournament continues to position Darwin as a global cricket destination, combining elite T20 action with the unique backdrop of Australia’s Top End.
