Imparja Cup dates revealed for 32nd running of the tournament
The country’s largest Indigenous cricket festival will return to Alice Springs for what is expected to be its biggest yet. Here’s what you need to know.
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Dates have officially been locked in for the country’s largest Indigenous cricket carnival.
NT Cricket has announced the 32nd running of the Imparja Cup will be held February 15-19, 2025.
The annual carnival of cricket will return to Alice Springs for another year and is expected to draw in hundreds of Indigenous players, coaches and officials.
From its humble beginnings as a local match between Alice Springs and Tennant Creek in 1994, the 2025 tournament will boast four divisions: Major Centres, Men’s Community, Women’s Community and Schools, as well as the Imparja Schools Cup Day which consists of local primary school students.
“The Imparja Cup continues to be the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Indigenous cricket and we are proud and committed to ensuring this incredible cricket story continues for years to come,” said NT Cricket chief executive Gavin Dovey.
“Excitingly, the Imparja Cup now also shapes as a genuine selection vehicle for our talented male and female players keen to represent the NT at the National Indigenous Cricket Championships in Mackay in April.”
Co-founder of the cup Shane Franey said he wished all those who made the trek to Alice would be warmly welcomed.
“On behalf of the Arrernte People of Alice Springs, we warmly welcome all Imparja Cup visitors to our Country,” he said.
“We wish you a safe and enjoyable carnival, played in the true Spirit of Cricket and sportsmanship, both on and off the field.
“We extend our gratitude to NT Cricket for 32 years of partnership with the Aboriginal cricketing community and offer a special welcome to the Warramungu cricketers from Tennant Creek.”
Mayor of Alice Springs Matt Paterson echoed Dovey and Franey’s comments, also saying how proud he was to see the cup remaining in Alice.
“We are thrilled to welcome the 32nd Annual Imparja Cup back to our beautiful town,” he said.
“What a great opportunity to come together on Arrernte country to celebrate community, culture, town spirit – and of course, see some sensational cricket.
“We are proud to support NT Cricket’s fantastic festival which continues to inspire future players and fans alike.”
2025 GENERAL INFO
Team Registration:
- The 2025 Imparja Cup registration is free and now open to new and past teams from the Northern Territory and around Australia.
- Teams wishing to nominate to play in the Imparja Cup are asked to complete the online form available here.
Match Officials Registration:
- NT Cricket is also seeking expressions of interest from umpires and scorers who would like to be part of the 2025 Imparja Cup.
- Umpires and scorers wishing to officiate at the Imparja Cup are asked to complete the online form available here.
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