Cricket returns to TIO Stadium for the first time in 15 years

Cricket will return to Darwin’s premier sports ground later this month in a huge stride towards attracting international fixtures back to the Top End for the first time in more than a decade.

Cricket will return to TIO Stadium later this month for the first time in what’s believed to be 15 years.

A drop-in wicket will be installed at Darwin’s premier sporting ground on Tuesday ahead of three Under 19 World Cup qualifiers to be held at the oval in June.

The wicket’s installation and preparation has drawn on the guidance and expertise from Adelaide curator Damien Hough.

It’s believed the last cricket match played at TIO Stadium was in August 2008 between Australia and Bangladesh.

In an exclusive interview with this publication, Cricket NT chief executive officer Gavin Dovey said TIO would host a qualifier between New Zealand and Papua New Guinea on June 18, followed by a further match the following day and on June 21.

He estimated about six Strike League matches, plus the final on July 28, and Top End T20 fixtures in August, would also be held at the ground.

The drop in cricket pitch being installed at TIO Stadium. Picture: Max Hatzoglou

“It’s really exciting,” Dovey said.

“It’s a significant day because it’s the only ICC accredited venue in the Territory but it hasn’t had the wicket in there for 15 years.

“There’s been a lot of work from multiple people to make that happen.

“It’s a huge project. Our curating team’s done a hell of a job.”

He said it was a “significant step” towards attracting international cricket back to Darwin for the first time since 2008.

“We need runs on the board by having a pitch in at an accredited stadium and content on it,” he said.

“It gives (Cricket Australia) confidence they can play games there.

“We think we’re an undertutilised asset in the schedule.

TIO Stadium hosted a one day international between Australian and Bangladesh in 2008. Picture: Chloe Erlich.

“It’s part of our ambition to play a greater role in Australian cricket.”

He said it was also another way for the younger generation to be connected with their heroes, face-to-face: “That stuff’s incredibly powerful.”

He praised the fine work of NT Cricket’s head of facilities Matt Sandery for being the “architect” of the project while also ensuring they got “the best in the business” in Hough to help.

“We’ve been lucky to bring Damien Hough up,” Dovey said.

“He’s widely regarded as the best curator in the country.”

The NT government has contributed $350,000 towards the development and other infrastructure upgrades.

A further $50,000 will be contributed to NT Cricket to support hosting the ICC U19s World Cup Qualifiers, CDU Men’s Strike League and CDU Men’s Top End Series.

Sport Minister Kate Worden described cricket’s return as a “major achievement”.

“Having international cricket return to TIO stadium is another major achievement as we look to solidify our role as a sporting destination,” she said.

“We are already hosting top level rugby league and AFL matches at TIO, it is wonderful to see us add international cricket back to our schedule.”

ICC East Asia Pacific cricket development officer Toby Cohen said Darwin was in the perfect position to host the international tournament.

“We have the Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka in January so we needed to find something at this time of year,” he said.

“NT Cricket put in a really good application with multiple venues and what this event would do for the community.

“Darwin with multiple facilities and its proximity to a lot of the countries and the timing of the year ... it was almost a no brainer.”

This July marks 20 years since Darwin hosted its first Test match, also at TIO.