Cricket Blast First XI: Woolworths and Cricket Australia on the look out for young stars

More kids can get the chance to learn the game of cricket and be part of a unique experience at the BBL final, as Australia looks to unearth the next Josh Hazlewood or Grace Harris.

Aussie cricketer Josh Hazlewood with some of the Woolworths Cricket Blast kids. Photograph Dallas Kilponen

More kids will be able to play cricket for free and be a part of a unique experience at the BBL final, as Australia looks to unearth the next Josh Hazlewood or Grace Harris.

Cricket Australia and Woolworths are committed to building a new generation of Australian cricketing stars, announcing they’ve extended their partnership until 2028.

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A big part of the deal, the Woolworths Community Fund, has provided more than $2.5m in funding to help 50,000 children join their local cricket clubs through the Cricket Blast program.

“We are thrilled to announce the continuation of our partnership with Woolworths for another three years,” Cricket Australia’s Chief Commercial Officer Ed Sanders said.

“Their support for junior cricket participation, particularly through the Cricket Blast Program, has been instrumental in the ongoing growth of our game.”

Six bananas and out? A few young cricket fanatics play at at Woolworths Ashfield North. Photograph Dallas Kilponen

The grassroots program get boys and girls up to 10 years old involved in the game, helping them build skills through game-based activities, with more than 470,000 total participants since 2018.

The partnership also rewards participants through the Woolworths Cricket Blast First XI initiative, which recognises 11 young Aussies who show skills, leadership, teamwork and passion for the sport.

Nominations have opened for the First XI for 2025-26 season, with the winners getting a money-can’t-buy experience at the BBL Final on January 25.

“Seeing nearly half a million kids get involved in Woolworths Cricket Blast is fantastic, and through initiatives like the Community Fund, we’re making the sport more accessible for all,” Woolworths’ Head of Community & Sponsorships Sarah De La Mare said.

Cricketers Josh Hazlewood and Grace Harris with some of the Woolworths Cricket Blast kids. Photograph Dallas Kilponen/Woolworths

Find out more at cricketblastfirstxi.cricket.com.au