Cricket Australia have confirmed that the National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC) will return to Yuwibara Country in Mackay, Queensland, for the 2026 and 2027 editions of the tournament.
The 2026 Championships will be held from 14–19 April, with matches played at Great Barrier Reef Arena and Harrup Park. The tournament will again be contested in a T20 format across five days of competition, alongside a dedicated cultural activity day on Friday 17 April. The opening ceremony will take place on Monday 13 April, with finals scheduled for Sunday 19 April.
The NICC showcases the country’s leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricketers and provides an opportunity to celebrate the strong connection between cricket, culture and community. The Championships also serve as an important pathway for emerging Indigenous talent to perform on a national stage.
Past competitors such as Northern Territory product D’Arcy Short, alongside recognised Indigenous cricketers Scott Boland, Dan Christian, Ashleigh Gardner and Brendan Doggett, have progressed from the NICC to represent Australia at the elite level, highlighting the role the Championships play in identifying and supporting Indigenous talent.
James Allsopp, Cricket Australia Chief of Cricket, said:
“The NICC are a highlight of the cricket calendar every year as we see a fantastic display of cricket from some of the very best First Nations talent, as they represent their state, as well as celebrating culture.
“We are looking forward to an exciting six days of cricket and cultural activity in Mackay, with rising stars of the cricket world ready to bring their best.”
NT Cricket encourages all talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male and female players across the Territory who are interested in representing the NT at the 2026 NICC to complete the nomination process.
With the Championships now held in April (having previously been played in February), the Imparja Cup 2026 (20–24 February) will again be used as a key selection opportunity for players seeking NICC representation.
NT Cricket also welcomes nominations from individuals interested in contributing as support staff or team managers for the NT Indigenous teams.
Nomination links:
NICC Player EOI Form - Click here – Nominations close on the 24th Feb.
NICC Support Staff EOI Form - Click here – Nominations close on the 24th Feb.
Imparja Cup Team Nomination - Click here – Tournament dates 20th - 24th Feb
For further information, please contact:
Nick Winter
NT Head of Cricket
M: 0411 317 907
E: nick.winter@ntcricket.com.au