Airport Development Group (ADG) is proud to have continued its long-standing partnership with Northern Territory Cricket, supporting the NT Women’s Strike as the Territory fielded its first open women’s representative side since 2019.
The side returned as part of the Afghan Refugee Women’s XI Tour of Darwin, with a three-match series against the Afghan Refugee Women’s XI Cricket Team held at DXC Arena from 23 to 30 May 2026.
The series featured a 40-over match and two T20 matches, providing local players with the opportunity to represent the NT in a competitive home series while supporting the continued growth of women’s and girls’ cricket.
The tour also highlighted cricket’s ability to connect communities and bring together players from diverse backgrounds and across the world, with Darwin providing a unique platform for meaningful sporting experiences in the Top End.
ADG’s support formed part of its broader partnership with NT Cricket, directly supporting NT Cricket-led programs and events including the Top End T20 Series. It came as the sport continues to build momentum across the Territory, following Darwin’s recent hosting of Australia v South Africa T20 Men’s Internationals and ahead of the upcoming Australia v Bangladesh Test Match.
Airport Development Group Chief Executive Officer Tony Edmondstone said ADG was proud to have supported an important moment for women’s cricket in the Territory.
“Airport Development Group is proud to stand alongside NT Cricket and support the continued growth of women’s cricket in the Territory,” Mr Edmondstone said.
“The Afghan Refugee Women’s XI Tour of Darwin was a powerful example of the role sport can play in creating opportunity, connection and community.
“It was fantastic to see the NT Women’s Strike return to representative cricket and to see Darwin host a series that brought together players, supporters and communities through cricket.
“ADG is proud to have supported the tour and to continue backing cricket’s growth across the Northern Territory.”
NT Cricket Head of Cricket Nick Winter said ADG’s support helped strengthen the successful return of women’s representative cricket in the Territory.
“We were proud to welcome the Afghan Refugee Women’s XI Cricket Team to Darwin and provide Territory players with the opportunity to compete in a strong women’s series on home soil,” Mr Winter said.
“We’re grateful for the support of Airport Development Group, whose continued partnership helps NT Cricket create opportunities for local players and deliver meaningful cricket experiences in the Territory.
“The return of the NT Women’s Strike was an important step for women’s cricket in the Territory, and the way the tour came together was something everyone involved can be proud of.
“Women’s cricket in the Territory continues to grow strongly, highlighted by increasing participation across our community competitions and the continued development of young players within our pathway programs.
“This series created meaningful experiences for women and girls in cricket, while also connecting communities through sport.”