Cricket fans will be bowled over when the Big Bash League (BBL) returns to Alice Springs in December as part of a new deal with the Hobart Hurricanes, Cricket Australia and the Territory Labor Government.

The partnership is a key element of the TIO Strike League partnership between NT Cricket and Cricket Tasmania, which provides a clear pathway to the elite level for talented Territory cricketers, male and female.

In yet another blockbuster sporting event for Alice Springs, the Hobart Hurricanes will take on the Sydney Sixers at TIO Traeger Park on Friday 20 December in front of a large crowd of local and interstate fans which will provide a substantial boost to local businesses.

The game will be broadcast live on free-to-air television, showcasing the Red Centre to a wide national and international audience.

As well as inspiring our next generation of cricketers, fans will enjoy a festival of cricket with an opportunity to interact with the players on the days around the match.

The new partnership will also see the Hurricanes Men’s and Women’s teams compete for the first time in the local TIO Strike League competition, as well as supplying players for other League teams.

Cricket Tasmania will host its Men’s and Women’s State Camps in Darwin for the next three years, in conjunction with Northern Territory Cricket.

Quotes from Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:

“This is an exciting partnership between the Northern Territory Government, Cricket Australia and the Hobart Hurricanes.

“The Territory Labor Government is proud to bring the Big Bash League to the NT, as we know how much Territorians enjoy seeing their sporting heroes play in their home town.

“The blockbuster BBL game between two of the league’s best teams will stimulate the economy with hundreds of visitors expected to travel to the Territory for the game.”

Quotes from Dale Wakefield, Member for Braitling:

“Supporting Territory businesses, creating local jobs and contributing to the vibrant lifestyle that locals know and love is so important, which is why the Territory Labor Government continue to fund events such as Big Bash League games in the Red Centre.

“The Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Sixers game in December will be one to watch, so I would encourage locals and visitors alike to purchase their tickets as soon as they go on sale later this year to avoid missing out.”

Quotes from Cricket Tasmania CEO Nick Cummins:

"The decision to play in the Northern Territory will provide us with a great opportunity to showcase Big Bash in the region and forms part of a greater alliance between Cricket Tasmania and NT Cricket.”

“We will use this opportunity to celebrate Tasmania’s indigenous culture and heritage, with more details to be announced shortly.”

Quotes from NT Cricket CEO Joel Morrison:

“We’re thrilled to see the Big Bash return to Alice Springs with the match to be headlined by the Territory’s very own D’Arcy Short.

“Images of the Hobart Hurricanes taking on the Sydney Sixers will be beamed around the country and across the globe, showcasing the beauty of the Red Centre to millions. 

“The agreement between the Hurricanes and Northern Territory Government to host a BBL match in Alice Springs further builds upon the emerging partnership between NT Cricket and Cricket Tasmania.

“Through this innovative partnership, cricket fans in the Top End will benefit as well as those in the Red Centre, with the Hurricanes’ BBL and WBBL teams to feature in NT Cricket’s TIO Strike League in Darwin, which is a fantastic outcome for cricket fans right across the Territory.”

Media Contact: Lisa Sennett 0436 929 858