CRICKET EVERYWHERE | Queensland Venues Confirmed

As well as the previously announced NRMA day/night Ashes Test at the Gabba, a wealth of men’s and women’s white ball matches will be held in Cairns, Mackay, the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

As part of the most extensive season of overseas touring in 17 years, international cricket will be played in 11 cities and 14 venues across Australia.

The Gold Coast will host the Indian men’s team for the first time, with a T20 International at Gold Coast Stadium in November as part of a five-game series which also features a T20I at the Gabba, the first time the two teams will have played there since 2018.

Major regional Queensland cities will launch the season in August, with international cricket returning to Cazalys Stadium in Cairns for the first time since 2022-23 and Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay hosting its first ever Australian men’s international.

The South African men’s team will play a T20I and an ODI against Australia in Cairns in August followed by two ODIs in Mackay.

As well as the day/night Gabba Ashes Test in Brisbane and T20I clash against India, Allan Border Field will host a day/night Women’s One Day International between Australia and India in February.

Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson welcomed the announcement today.

“Cricket being played across so many venues and cities this summer is massive and for Queensland, complements last week’s confirmation of a new Stadium in Brisbane for the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics, and Cricket Australia’s commitment to return the First Test to Brisbane to celebrate cricket moving to that new venue.”

“Queensland Cricket has championed taking elite cricket to the regions for more than a decade and it is gratifying to know the investment and partnerships with state and local government and local cricket bodies has been realised on this scale through CA’s allocation of games in 2025-26.”

“The Queensland Government continues to back cricket at all levels, and their widespread commitment to regional infrastructure from the ground-up has enabled outcomes like this. We thank the Premier David Crisafulli and Sports Minister Tim Mander for their support of the game at the grassroots and beyond,

“Equally, we congratulate and thank the Cairns Regional Council, Mackay Regional Council, City of Gold Coast and the Brisbane City Council for their ongoing commitment to providing outstanding facilities for cricket in their regions and supporting our initiatives,” he said.

“Our local cricket communities will work hard to make the most of the matches in their cities as we look forward to delivering outstanding experiences for the teams and the fans.”

Svenson thanked Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), the Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) and Experience Gold Coast for their continued support of cricket in Queensland.

“The economic benefits that hosting international cricket events bring to the State are well-established and those agencies play a lead role in making them a success,” he said.

Today’s announcement was enthusiastically received across Queensland.

Cairns Regional Council Mayor Amy Eden said:

“Cairns is proud to once again play host to international cricket.”

“There’s nothing quite like the energy of a home crowd cheering on world-class athletes right here in our backyard. Events like this are a win for our community — they spark local pride, energise our economy, and showcase Cairns as a vibrant destination for sport and tourism.

 “We’re thrilled to be part of the action and can’t wait to welcome teams and fans to tropical Far North Queensland.”

Cairns Division 8 Councillor Rhonda Coghlan:

“This is a real credit to the tireless work of Cairns Cricket and Queensland Cricket. Their advocacy and commitment have helped secure world-class matches for our region once again. It’s a proud moment for local volunteers, players, and supporters who’ve kept the game strong in the Far North.” – Cr Coghlan

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said:

“This is a tremendous opportunity to attract thousands of cricket fans to our region and showcase Mackay both domestically and internationally via the television broadcast.”

“Council and TEQ are also investing in joint marketing initiatives to promote the event and drive visitation to the region,” he said.

“This will launch the Mackay region and the GBRA as a destination for international sport in the lead up to Brisbane 2032.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said:

“Our city continues to push the boundaries when it comes to attracting the biggest and best sporting events on offer. It doesn’t get much bigger than Australia versus India in the T20 format of international cricket.”

 “Apart from huge crowds at Gold Coast Stadium, the action will be beamed into millions of homes across Australia and the sub-continent so it will be showtime for our wonderful city, on and off the pitch.’’

 Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said:

"We are excited to see the return of international men's cricket to the Gold Coast. This is a big win for the city and something we have been working really hard behind the scenes to secure.

 "Not only does this showcase the Gold Coast's sporting destination credentials to a national audience, but also to the hundreds of millions of cricket fans tuned in across Asia and India. These markets are crucial to our visitor economy and the exposure these matches will provide to global audiences will no doubt help drive our international visitation and spend.’’

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said:

“Brisbane is proud to be Australia’s lifestyle capital and the arrival of more world-class sporting matches is yet another win for our city.”

“The 2025-26 season will deliver an electrifying summer of cricket, bringing fans together for unforgettable moments both on and off the pitch.

 “After the game visitors can enjoy our vibrant lifestyle precincts and unmatched tourism experiences, supporting local businesses and boosting economic impact across the city.”

Tim Mander MP, Queensland’s Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for Olympic and Paralympic Games said:

“Queensland is set for an unforgettable summer of cricket and our regions will be at the centre of the action. These matches reinforce Queensland’s status as a premier destination for world-class sport with international matches set to be played in Brisbane, Mackay, Cairns, and the Gold Coast. This is the just the start of an exciting chapter for international cricket in Queensland with a deal secured to bring the first Test back to Brisbane after the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032-33.”

Andrew Powell MP, Queensland’s Minister for Environment and Tourism, and Minister for Science and Innovation said:

 "We are thrilled that Queensland will host international cricket matches across four cities and five venues in the 2025-26 season. Hosting teams from four nations, including India and South Africa, will provide thrilling entertainment for fans and significant economic benefits for our local communities. We're anticipating a big turnout from Queenslanders, interstate visitors and overseas fans for what will be another exciting season for Aussie cricket."

 2025-26 QUEENSLAND INTERNATIONAL CRICKET FIXTURES

 Men’s T20I Series v South Africa

August 16: Cazalys Stadium, Cairns

Men’s ODI Series v South Africa

August 19: Cazalys Stadium, Cairns

August 22: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay

August 24: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay

Men’s T20I Series v India

November 6: Gold Coast Stadium, Gold Coast

November 8: The Gabba, Brisbane

NRMA Insurance Men’s Ashes

4-8 December: Day-Night Test, The Gabba, Brisbane

Women’s ODI Series v India

February 24: Allan Border Field, Brisbane