The 34th annual Imparja Cup powered by DXC Technology will return to Mparntwe (Alice Springs) from Friday 19 to Tuesday 23 February 2027, continuing Australia’s oldest and largest Indigenous Cricket festival.
What began as a family game between Tennant Creek and Alice Springs in 1994 has grown into a national celebration of cricket, culture and community, with over 200 Indigenous cricketers, coaches, match officials and volunteers from across the Territory and Australia expected to come together on Arrernte Country through a shared passion for the game.
Over five days, teams will compete in the Men’s Major Centers, Men’s Community and Women’s Community Divisions – while the Middle Schools Division and Primary Gala Day will provide local students with the opportunity to experience the fun of playing cricket.
The Imparja Cup powered by DXC Technology also plays an important role in creating performance pathways for talented Indigenous cricketers, coaches and officials, with the carnival providing opportunities for participants to be selected to represent the NT at the National Indigenous Cricket Championships in Mackay in April.
Imparja TV CEO, Amy Graham:
“The Imparja Cup holds a special place in the history of our organisation, and we’re incredibly proud of our longstanding association with an event that has become such an important part of the Northern Territory’s sporting and cultural calendar.
As we look towards the 2027 Cup, we’re excited to strengthen our commitment and expand the way we showcase this wonderful event, celebrating the players, communities and stories that make it so special.
Our partnership with NT Cricket is one we value enormously, and we look forward to continuing our work together to support cricket across the Territory, particularly the opportunities it creates for First Nations communities and the next generation of cricketers.”
DXC Technology First Nations Program Lead, Stuart Meadley
“DXC is proud of its ongoing sponsorship of the Imparja Cup, and of NT Cricket, which support First Nations community engagement across Australia. Through our association with this event, we have been delighted to work with NT Cricket to enable local, regional and remote First Nations schools, organisations and communities to attend this important gathering, and also to support them back On Country, through our First Nations and Digital Futures Programs’ laptop donations.”
Alice Springs Mayor, Asta Hill
“We’re delighted to welcome the 34th Annual Imparja Cup to Mparntwe. This festival of cricket brings people of all ages and backgrounds together on Arrernte Country to celebrate sport, culture and community pride. It’s a chance to connect, to cheer each other on, and to enjoy the spirit of cricket in the heart of Australia. Alice Springs Town Council is proud to sponsor such an iconic and meaningful event.”
NT Cricket Chief Executive Officer, Gavin Dovey
“The Imparja Cup is an incredible story, with the tournament transcending from a community event to playing a pivotal role in the broader history, identity, and development of First Nations cricket in Australia. We would like to thank our wonderful event partners Imparja TV, DXC Technology and Alice Springs Town Council for ensuring its legacy continues for years to come.”
Register Your Team
NT Cricket welcomes nominations from returning and new teams from across the Northern Territory and around Australia.
Teams wishing to participate in the 2027 Imparja Cup are encouraged to complete the online registration form below.
👉 [Follow this link for a detailed explainer on team eligibility]
👉 [Eligibility exemption form here]
Match Officials
Umpires interested in officiating at the 2027 Imparja Cup are encouraged to submit an expression of interest by emailing Kaitlyn Frawley, First Nations Program Manager – kaitlyn.frawley@ntcricket.com.au
Imparja Cup History
The Imparja Cup is Australia’s longest running Indigenous cricket carnivals, founded in 1994 by custodians Shane Franey and Ross Williams following a family cricket match between Alice Springs and Tennant Creek.
The name Imparja comes from the Arrernte word Impatye, meaning tracks or footprints – a fitting reflection of the event’s history, honouring those who have come before while creating pathways for future generations.
Over more than three decades, the Imparja Cup has played a significant role in the story of Indigenous cricket in Australia. The carnival helped establish a strong foundation for the development of national Indigenous cricket pathways and was an important influence in the creation of Cricket Australia’s National Indigenous Cricket Championships in 2016.
Today, the Imparja Cup continues to provide a space where Indigenous communities can connect through cricket, celebrate culture and create opportunities for the next generation.
Upcoming Remote Carnivals
- Pup Cup (Timber Creek): 16 October 2026
- Barra Cup (Borroloola): 6-8 November 2026
- Nitmiluk Cup (Katherine): 4-6 December 2026
- Rossy Williams Shield (Tennant Creek): 5-7 February 2027
- Imparja Cup (Alice Springs): 19-23 February 2027