CA Delivers Brisbane Test Pledge

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and Cricket Australia Chair Mike Baird AO met today to announce the plans for international cricket at the Gabba from 2027 to 2032 before the transition to the new stadium announced yesterday as the centrepiece of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games hosted in Brisbane.

The announcement confirmed that following a year off in 2026-27 when it will not host a Test, the Gabba would return to the International Test series calendar for another five years from 2027-28 through until 2031-32. 

The agreement reached with Cricket Australia also guarantees the return of the first Test of the summer to Queensland in 2032-33 after the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  

Once the Games have finished, the Brisbane Heat, Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Lions AFL team will transition to the new Brisbane Stadium at Victoria Park. 

The Gabba will host its first ever Day/Night Ashes Test against England from December 4-8 this season.

Premier David Crisafulli said the new Brisbane Stadium would deliver Queenslanders one of the world’s best cricket grounds.  

“Cricket is embedded in Queensland’s DNA, and the decision to build a world-class stadium at Victoria Park ensures it has a future in this State,” he said.

“Test cricket belongs in Queensland, and this decision means fans won’t miss out on seeing some of the best cricket teams play Test Matches in Brisbane right through to the summer before Brisbane 2032 where we regain our title as host of the first test of the summer.” 

Minister for Sport and the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the Gabba may be ageing but it had a few more good years left. 

“The Gabba has done a mighty job for the past 130-years and holds a special place in the hearts of Queenslanders so it’s fitting we give her a farewell at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Minister Mander. 

“The new Brisbane Stadium at Victoria Park will secure the future of cricket and AFL in our State, set us up to attract major sporting events, and inspire more young Queenslanders to chase their own sporting dreams.” 

Cricket Australia Chair Mike Baird AO said Cricket Australia was delighted the Queensland Government had seized this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create an enduring Olympic legacy that would give cricket fans in Queensland the stadium they deserve.

"Importantly, cricket now has the certainty needed to ensure Brisbane hosts the very best possible international and domestic matches and retains a prominent place on the Test match schedule,” said Mr Baird.  

"International cricket brings significant economic benefits for the people of Queensland and those benefits will be greatly enhanced by the construction of a world class 63,000 seat stadium in the heart of Brisbane. 

"The Gabba will continue to continue to host outstanding matches in coming years including this summer’s Day/Night Ashes Test before the new stadium at Victoria Park begins an exciting new chapter for Queensland and Australian cricket." 

Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson congratulated the Queensland Government on its decision to invest in the state’s future, with a world-class stadium that would be a centerpiece of Brisbane for 2032 and beyond. 

“The Gabba has been a wonderful venue for cricket for many years and has provided fans and players with countless memories, however the challenges the stadium faces are well documented, and we need to look to the future,” said Mr Svenson. 

“Today’s decision gives us certainty after many years without clarity. We now stand at the starting line as Queensland prepares to unveil a signature stadium at Victoria Park that will be known the world over.”