Bats at the ready!
Far North Queensland is about to light up the international sporting stage as Cairns prepares to host international cricket for the first time since 2022 – and for the first time EVER in Australia, a T20 International of this kind.
The excitement is palpable, with a near sell-out crowd of more than 8,000 passionate fans expected to fill the stands at Cazalys Cairns. Adding to the buzz, more than 1,700 visitors are travelling here specifically for the matches, bringing an estimated $2.48 million boost to our regional economy.
The action kicks off with a T20 International on Saturday night, followed by a thrilling One Day International (ODI) on Tuesday.
These games are part of a national series that will also visit Mackay, the Gold Coast, and Brisbane – but it’s Cairns that gets the honour of starting the celebrations.
Cricket Queensland’s Ibrahim has highlighted the special significance of the moment: this is the first time ever Australia has hosted this type of T20 International, making it a true milestone for the sport in our country.
The event cements Cairns’ growing reputation as a premier sporting destination ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. With junior cricket participation up 24% in Queensland – and a remarkable 26% increase among girls – the sport is booming in our region.
Recent investments, including the new 5,000-seat grandstand at Barlow Park, are not just about hosting elite cricket and football – they’re about creating lasting legacies for our community. Better facilities mean more affordable access for local kids, better playing surfaces, and the chance to see world-class athletes in our own backyard.
Tourism and Events Queensland estimates the direct and incremental spend from this cricket double-header will hit $2.48 million. That’s thousands of hotel stays, restaurant bookings, and local shopping trips – injecting energy and opportunity into our region.
Here’s to the games, the fans, the players – and to Cairns, proving once again why Far North Queensland is a true sporting paradise.
