The Top End is gearing up for another outstanding Series of cricket, with the 2026 Study NT Top End T20 Series bringing an exciting line-up of teams from Australia and around the world to Darwin from Friday 21 to Sunday 30 August.
The Series will deliver 30 matches across 10 days during the Territory’s tropical winter, reinforcing Darwin’s growing reputation as a destination for high-quality sporting events and sports tourism.
The nine-team competition will feature the Nepal National Cricket Team, Bangladesh High Performance Team, New Zealand A, HH Kingsmen Academy, ACT Comets, Cricket Victoria, Adelaide Strikers, Hobart Hurricanes and NT Strike.
The Study NT Top End T20 Series demonstrates what can be achieved when Territory organisations work together to bring major sporting events to the Top End.
Airport Development Group (ADG), the Northern Territory Government and NT Cricket are working together to maximise the benefits of the Series, not only for cricket fans and players but also for the broader Territory economy.
Cricket provides a significant platform to drive visitation, support accommodation, hospitality and tourism businesses, and showcase Darwin to national and international audiences.
Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill OAM
“Every player, official and fan the Series brings to Darwin is a visitor filling a hotel room, booking a tour and spending in our restaurants and local businesses.
“Events like this are exactly how we grow the visitor economy and show the rest of the country, and our neighbours across the region, what Darwin has to offer during the Dry.
“With teams here from New Zealand, Bangladesh, Nepal and beyond, this Series also strengthens the people-to-people links that underpin the Territory’s relationships across Asia and the region.
“When Territory organisations work together like this, we deliver more visitors, more business for locals and a bigger profile for Darwin as a destination for world-class events.”
Minister for Major Events Marie-Clare Boothby
“On the back of the strong turnout to Darwin’s first international Test match in 22 years just last week, the Study NT Top End T20 Series proves there is nowhere better for sport and major events than the Northern Territory. It is absolutely one of a kind.”
Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls
“The return of T20 cricket to the Northern Territory is a fantastic opportunity for our community. Events like this bring people together, attract visitors, showcase the Territory on a national stage and create memorable experiences for local families and cricket fans.
“Cricket has a unique ability to connect people of all ages and backgrounds, and the excitement of elite competition inspires the next generation of players and supporters. The event is a welcome boost for the local economy and continues to promote the Territory as a vibrant destination.
“We wish all teams, organisers, volunteers and supporters a successful tournament and look forward to a great celebration of cricket in the Territory.”
NT Cricket Chair Stuart Kenny
“The Study NT Top End T20 Series has become a fantastic opportunity to bring high-quality cricket to Darwin and give local fans the chance to see outstanding players and teams in action.
“This year’s competition promises to be bigger and stronger again, with an exceptional line-up of international and domestic teams. We are incredibly proud to work alongside Airport Development Group and the Northern Territory Government to deliver an event that creates opportunities both on and off the field.”
Airport Development Group Chair Mike Mrdak AO
“For ADG, supporting the Study NT Top End T20 Series is about much more than getting people through the airport. It is about working with our partners to create a compelling visitor experience and showcasing Darwin as a destination where great sport, tourism and hospitality come together.
“We are delighted to again partner with NT Cricket and the Northern Territory Government. When we work together, we are stronger, and the opportunities for the Territory are greater.”
For ADG, the Series forms part of its broader commitment to supporting sports tourism as an economic driver for the Northern Territory, leveraging the company’s airport, accommodation and tourism assets to help attract visitors and major events.
With 10 days of cricket on the horizon, Darwin is ready to welcome players, officials and supporters to the Top End for the 2026 Study NT Top End T20 Series.
Tickets:
https://www.ticketebo.com.au/northern-territory-cricket/2026-study-nt-top-end-t20-series-season-pass
Entry is free for children under 18.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
GABRIELLE CUSACK | HEAD OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Airport Development Group
M: +61 499 425 135
E: Gabrielle.Cusack@adgnt.com.au
MAX ELLIS | MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Northern Territory Cricket
M: +61 410 155 288
E: Max.Ellis@ntcricket.com.au
JODI NOBBS | MINISTERIAL ADVISER
Office of the Hon. Robyn Cahill MLA
M: +61 418 841 474
E: Jodi.Nobbs@nt.gov.au
JAK HARDY | MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS ADVISER
Office of the Hon. Marie-Clare Boothby MLA
M: +61 486 264 773
E: Jak.Hardy@nt.gov.au
PETER BAILEY | SENIOR MINISTERIAL ADVISER
Office of the Hon. Jinson Charls MLA
M: +61 439 469 737
E: Peter.Bailey@nt.gov.au