Qld faces million-dollar fight to win back First Test for the Gabba
Queensland faces paying over $1m to Cricket Australia if it wants the prestigious first Test back at the Gabba after 2027.
Cricket Australia has declared that Brisbane’s iconic Gabba is still in the running to host more first Tests and that its record will not be ignored.
The Queensland government is likely to have to pay upwards of $1m and offer marketing and tourism support to Cricket Australia if it wants the First Test back, sources say.
It could be discussed as part of a package which could include white-ball international matches and winter cricket in regional Queensland.
Cricket Australian chairman Mike Baird created a stir at a function in Perth last week when he said “there was no doubt about it” Test series openers would stay in Perth.
But Mr Baird has told Queenslander Premier David Crisafulli the comment was tongue in cheek, as Queensland prepares to bid for the blockbuster first Test of the 2028-29 series against India.
Mr Baird told The Courier-Mail: “Beyond 2026-27, nothing has been decided about hosting rights for the first Test and we will go through the usual negotiation process to ensure we get the balance between commercial and competitive factors right.”
The competitive factors include the Gabba’s astonishing record of not hosting a First Test loss since the mighty West Indies beat Australia in 1988-89.
Many players, such as Mitchell Starc, feel a First Test in Brisbane, with the tropical humidity and bouncy deck, is the best place for Australia to start a series.
Perth’s Optus Stadium, however, has developed a fine record of its own, with Australia winning five of the six Tests held there since 2018 including the landslide two day victory over England in the first Test.
“Despite the early finish the crowds and viewing figures for the West Test were fantastic and emphasise why cities across Australia are so keen to host Test cricket,” Mr Baird said.
“The interest shown by both the West Australian and Queensland governments in hosting the First Test is understandable, given the excitement the event creates.
“We are looking forward to the First Test against New Zealand next season at Perth Stadium.
“The First Test in 2032-33 in the new Brisbane Olympic stadium will be the start of a new era for Test cricket in Brisbane, and a fantastic occasion.”
Mr Baird’s comments will put pressure on Mr Crisafulli to strike a deal with CA if he wants the First Test to return to the Gabba.
Mr Crisafulli has made building the state’s tourism and events portfolio a key pillar of his policy agenda.
Last week he trumpeted the blockbuster AFL, NRL and netball Queensland derbies organised on June 6 – Queensland Day.
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Originally published as Qld faces million-dollar fight to win back First Test for the Gabba
