International cricket set to mark return to Darwin with South Africa tour of Australia

Darwin is all set to host an international game once again after a prolonged 17-year hiatus, with Cricket Australia outlining a couple of T20I games against South Africa in August. The schedule has not been revealed yet, but is expected to be revealed by March end. South Africa's tour down under will see them competing in six white-ball games, which includes three T20Is and as many ODIs.

For the unversed, Darwin had last hosted an international game back in 2008, when Australia squared off against Bangladesh in a One-Day International. Now, as per the preliminary plan, Darwin will host the Proteas for the first two games in the T20I series. Cairns, on the other hand, will be hosting an ODI, while Mackay has been earmarked for the series-ender.

Northern Territory Cricket CEO, Gavin Dovey, has maintained an optimistic stance about hosting the rainbow nation for an international game, as the format returns to the venue after 2008. He is also sure that Cricket Australia will be fully co-operated with if Darwin secures the games.

“From the moment I arrived in 2023, I’ve been clear that our goal is to bring international cricket back to the Northern Territory,” Dovey was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

“The last time we hosted international cricket was in 2008, and that’s simply far too long. The game has evolved tremendously since then—just look at the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy or cricket’s return to the Olympics in LA 2028 as proof of its global impact,” he added. 

If confirmed, these matches will turn out to be historic as the first men’s T20Is played in the Northern Territory. Since Darwin last hosted an international game, Australia has held 536 men’s and women’s matches across 27 different venues. 

Darwin has solidified its presence in late-winter cricket with the growth of domestic 20-over competition. It has also hosted games in the Big Bash League in all these years. The August schedule could become largely important, specifically with Australia’s two-Test series against Bangladesh set to move to this period in 2026. 

“We have an incredible winter cricket window that offers significant benefits to both Australian cricket and the Northern Territory,” the CEO said. 

“Cricket Australia is keen to explore that potential, and the NT Government recognizes the economic and community impact of hosting international cricket superstars. Hopefully, we can make this happen and kick off Australia’s international summer in Darwin,” Dovey concluded.