First Test returns to Brisbane after Olympic reveal offers certainty

Brisbane will again host the first cricket test of the summer following the announcement of a new world-class stadium at Victoria Park.

Brisbane will again host the first cricket test of the summer following the “certainty “of a new world-class stadium at Victoria Park.

Premier David Crisafulli visited the Gabba on Wednesday morning to announce the first test would again be played in Brisbane from 2032/33 following the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

With the Gabba left off the 2026/27 summer schedule for the first time in 50 years, Test cricket will return to Brisbane in 2027/28.

“Queenslanders have always upheld their end of the bargain in turning up and delivering record crowds and players have responded and we’ve got a pretty good record in the first test so nothing would please us more than to see that generational legacy unfold,” he said.

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The events will be provided in exchange for Cricket Australia – unlike the AFL – not providing a cash contribution to build the stadium.

Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird said the sporting code would deliver hundreds of millions of dollars of economic benefits to Brisbane.

“In terms of the opportunity, how can we contribute? Well, through economic activity that’s driven by marquee events so we’ve confirmed today marquee events are being provided that otherwise wouldn’t be.”

The Gabba will host its first ever day/night Ashes Test against England from December 4-8 this year.

After the Games have finished, the Brisbane Heat, Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Lions will transition to the new Brisbane Stadium at Victoria Park.

Originally published as First Test returns to Brisbane after Olympic reveal offers certainty