Summer of cricket heats up in Alice Springs

Australia’s largest Indigenous cricket competition, the Imparja Cup and the National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC), is on in the Red Centre to celebrate cricket, culture and country.

The 31^st Imparja Cup, is on now until 21 February 2024. Hundreds of cricketers from Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and surrounds are competing in a range of divisions including major centres, men’s community, and women’s community division.

This year also sees the return of a Schools Division and continuation of the Imparja Cup Schools Gala Day, aimed at inspiring a new generation of Indigenous kids to love and play the game.

NTMEC CEO Suzana Bishop said Cricket sat at the heart of Australia’s national and cultural identity.

“Cricket brings multicultural Australia together in shared passion for the country’s truly national sport,” she said.

“These two events, held on Arrernte land, attract hundreds of talented Indigenous cricketers to Alice Springs for an annual celebration of cricket, culture and country.

“The Imparja Cup in particular is a great Territory success story, resulting in the creation of the National Indigenous Cricket Championships. It’s also fantastic to see opportunities for the next generation of Indigenous sports stars to impact the game.”

The Imparja Cup started out as a ‘family’ match between Alice Springs and Tennant Creek and has grown into what it is today, making a significant contribution to the history and story of Indigenous cricket in Australia.

NT Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey said Cricket was a sport with a rich history and connection with Indigenous Australians.

“We’re delighted to be hosting these wonderful sporting events in what we consider to be Australia’s spiritual home of indigenous cricket, Mparntwe (Alice Springs),” he said.

It is events like the Imparja Cup and NICC that give young Indigenous Australians the opportunity to showcase their talent and ultimately to try and follow in the footsteps of D’Arcy Short, Ashleigh Gardner, Scott Boland who have gone on to represent Australia at the highest levels of the sport.”

The NICC was established by Cricket Australia in 2016 thanks largely to the success of the Imparja Cup. The Championships will take place directly following the Imparja Cup from 22-27 February 2024 with talented Indigenous cricketers, coaches and match officials from around the country competing for the National T20 Title.

To find out more, including information about fixtures and livestreaming, head to www.ntcricket.com.au