Mackay secures men’s international cricket one day games
Published on 31 March 2025
In a massive coup for the region, Cricket Australia today announced that this year, for the first time, Mackay will host men's international world-class cricket matches.
The Australian men’s team will take on the Proteas in two one day internationals to be played at the Great Barrier Reef Arena as part of a season-opening white ball series in tropical northern Australia.
The Mackay fixtures will be played on August 22 and August 24, 2025.
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said council, Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) and the Great Barrier Reef Arena (GBRA) had submitted a successful joint bid to Cricket Australia for hosting rights in January 2024.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to attract thousands of cricket fans to our region and showcase Mackay both domestically and internationally via the television broadcast,” Mayor Williamson said.
“Council and TEQ are also investing in joint marketing initiatives to promote the event and drive visitation to the region,” he said.
“This will launch the Mackay region and the GBRA as a destination for international sport in the lead up to Brisbane 2032.”
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said Mackay was a fantastic location for international cricket.
“We’re extremely grateful for the support of our Queensland and local government partners,” Mr Greenberg said.
“We look forward to bringing international cricket to fans across the country with 11 cities and 14 venues hosting matches throughout the season including matches in every state and territory capital for the first time in 17 years,” he said.
“We’re especially excited to bring international ODI cricket to Great Barrier Reef Arena as part of the Northern Series against South Africa men.
“We smashed many records for attendance, viewing audiences and digital engagement last summer and we’re confident these matches will create brilliant experiences for residents and travelling cricket fans, and fantastic benefits for local businesses and economies.”
Great Barrier Reef Arena Chief Executive Officer Adrian Young said this was a defining moment for Mackay and the Great Barrier Reef Arena.
“To welcome the Australian men’s team and the Proteas for international one-day cricket is a testament to the region’s world-class facilities and the strength of our partnerships with Cricket Australia, Mackay Regional Council and Tourism and Events Queensland,” Mr Young said.
“It reinforces our position on the national sporting map and provides a huge boost for local tourism, business and community pride,” he said.
“We look forward to delivering an unforgettable experience for players, fans and our entire region.”
Tim Mander MP, Queensland’s Minister for Sport said Queensland was set for an unforgettable summer of cricket and our regions would be at the centre of the action.
“These matches reinforce Queensland’s status as a premier destination for world-class sport with international matches set to be played in Mackay, Cairns, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast,” Mr Mander said.
“This is the just the start of an exciting chapter for international cricket in Queensland and I looking forward to watching Mackay shine on the world stage,” he said.
2025-26 QUEENSLAND INTERNATONAL CRICKET FIXTURES
Men’s T20I Series v South Africa
August 16: Cazalys Stadium, Cairns
Men’s ODI Series v South Africa
August 19: Cazalys Stadium, Cairns
August 22: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
August 24: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
Men’s T20I Series v India
November 6: Carrara Stadium, Gold Coast
November 8: The Gabba, Brisbane
NRMA Insurance Men’s Ashes
4-8 December: Day-Night Test, The Gabba, Brisbane
Women’s ODI Series v India
February 24: Allan Border Field, Brisbane
From left, Great Barrier Reef Arena Chief Executive Officer Adrian Young, Australian bowler Matthew Kuhnemann, Mayor Greg Williamson and Mackay Cricket Association Chair Terry Doolan today announced two huge international one day games in August.