Cricket has been part of Imparja Television’s story from the very beginning.
When Imparja switched on its signal for the first time in January 1988, its inaugural test broadcast was a live telecast of the Australia v Sri Lanka Test match. Cricket was the first story the station ever told.
In 1994, the Imparja Cup began as an annual match between Alice Springs and Tennant Creek.
On the eve of the 33rd Annual Imparja Cup NT Cricket is proud to announce the renewal of its long-standing partnership with Imparja Television, reaffirming the broadcaster’s role as the Naming Rights Partner for Australia’s largest Indigenous cricket carnival.
Imparja, pronounced IM-PAR-JA, is the anglicised spelling of the Arrernte word Impatye, meaning tracks or footprints.
Over three decades, the Imparja Cup has left a lasting footprint on Indigenous cricket. The tournament has done more than grow in size. It has created visibility, aspiration and opportunity for communities across the Northern Territory and beyond. It laid the foundation for what became Cricket Australia’s National Indigenous Cricket Carnival and helped shape a clearer pathway for Indigenous Australians to progress in the game.
Through sustained support, storytelling and community connection, Imparja Television has helped ensure those tracks continue forward. The result is more Indigenous Australians playing cricket, representing their communities with pride, and influencing a game that is shared across the country.
Imparja Television reaches more than one million resident viewers across 3.6 million square kilometres spanning the Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. Through 28 transmission towers and satellite services, it delivers trusted free-to-air television to remote towns, very remote Indigenous communities and households in terrestrial black spots.
The Imparja Cup reflects that commitment. It provides a platform for communities to celebrate culture through sport, share stories across generations and create opportunity for young Indigenous cricketers.
Through its continued partnership with the tournament, Imparja helps sustain the legacy of one of the country’s longest running Indigenous cricket events while ensuring culture, identity and community remain central to the game.
NT Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey:
"I’m absolutely thrilled that the partnership with Imparja Television is continuing."
The Imparja Cup is one of Australia’s most culturally significant community sporting events and to have the ongoing support of one of Australia’s most iconic Aboriginal owned companies is terrific."
We’re excited to begin the 33rd Annual Imparja Cup and celebrate the coming together of cricket, culture and community."
Imparja Television CEO Amy Graham:
"Cricket and Imparja share the same DNA. When we put to air the Australia vs Sri Lanka Test match more than three decades ago in 1988, our very first broadcast - we recognised sport’s rare ability to connect communities, carry culture and inspire the next generation. The Imparja Cup is a powerful expression of that belief, grounded in our commitment to cultural integrity."
Over 33 years, the tournament has evolved from a single match between two towns into a landmark carnival that reflects the strength, pride and diversity of Indigenous Australia."
Our continued partnership with NT Cricket is more than a commercial decision. It is a clear statement of who we are and what we stand for. Imparja means tracks and footprints, and the Imparja Cup has left a lasting imprint across the Territory. We are proud to continue walking that path alongside NT Cricket, the players and the communities they represent for many years to come."