International Cricket returns to Darwin for the first time since 2008

For the first time in 17 years, international cricket is returning to the Top End as the Australian Men’s team takes on South Africa in two blockbuster T20 International matches at TIO Stadium on 10 and 12 August 2025.

These highly anticipated clashes will be the first meeting between Australia and South Africa following the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s in June 2025, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown in Darwin.

Both matches are expected to sell out, drawing fans from across the country and delivering a significant boost to the local economy and tourism sector. Darwin last hosted international cricket in 2008. The return of this major sporting event further cements the city’s reputation as a premier destination for world-class events.

Cricket Australia CEO, Todd Greenberg was thrilled to have Darwin included as one of the cities to host international cricket this August.

“We are excited to announce the schedule for what will be another incredible international season including the grand history and intense rivalry of the Ashes, the fantastic box office appeal of the India men and women’s teams and a return to some iconic tourist locations in northern Australia for the white ball series against South Africa.

“We look forward to bringing international cricket to fans across the country with 11 cities and 14 venues hosting matches throughout the season including matches in every state and territory capital for the first time in 17 years.

“We’re especially excited to bring international T20 cricket to TIO Stadium as part of the Northern Series against South Africa men. Darwin is a fantastic location for international cricket and we’re extremely grateful for the support of our Northern Territory and local government partners.

“We smashed many records for attendance, viewing audiences and digital engagement last summer and we’re confident these matches will create brilliant experiences for resident and travelling cricket fans and fantastic benefits for local businesses and economies,” he said.

Darwin has a proud cricket history, hosting its first Test match in 2003 when the Australian men’s team played Bangladesh at Marrara Stadium, followed by a One Day International (ODI) later that year. In 2004, Australia returned to face Sri Lanka in a second Test match, before hosting Bangladesh again in an ODI. In 2007, the New Zealand Women’s team toured Darwin for the Rose Bowl series, playing a T20 International and five ODI’s against Australia.

The last international held in Darwin was on 6 September 2008, when the Australian Men’s team took on Bangladesh in the third ODI of the 2008 Bangladesh tour of Australia series, which Australia won by 73 runs.

Cricket NT CEO Gavin Dovey can’t wait to see the first ever men’s T20Is to be played in the Territory.

“Bringing international cricket back to Darwin after 17 years is a huge moment for the game in the Northern Territory. We’re incredibly grateful to the NT Government, NT Major Events, Minister Boothby, Minister Charls, and Cricket Australia for their support in making this possible.

“Hosting Australia and South Africa for two T20 Internationals is not only a fantastic opportunity for local fans to witness world-class cricket but also a chance to inspire the next generation of Territory cricketers. It’s a great vote of confidence in the Territory’s ability to deliver major sporting events, and we can’t wait to see the stands full and the atmosphere electric at TIO Stadium,” Mr Davey said.

The 2025 T20 Internationals are proudly supported by the Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company and the Event Funding Program. International ticket pre-sale for registered fans begins on 3 June 2025, with general public tickets going on sale 13 June. Both matches will be available LIVE on Foxtel and Kayo Sports.