NT Cricket launches innovative new cricket program

NT Cricket has launched an innovative new cricket program - Cricket 365 – aiming to bring the best emerging players from around Australia to Darwin and Palmerston for ten weeks each dry season, enabling the next generation of cricketing superstars to play cricket year-round without having to leave Australian shores.

NT Cricket has partnered with Cricket Australia and state cricket associations around the country in a move that will see thirty of the best young cricketers from across Australia converge on the Top End from June through to August. These players will join with the Northern Territory’s best players to stage a series of high level cricket competitions.

The Cricket 365 program, running for ten weeks from 20th June until 27th August, consists of three men’s competitions:

TIO Men’s Strike League One Day Series – 20th June to 25th July

Top End Series which will see the Northern Territory men’s NT Strike team take on a Cricket Australia XI in a best of three one day match series – 1st to 8th August

TIO Men’s Strike League T20 Tournament – 15th to 27th August

In addition to the men’s program, the existing TIO Junior Strike League (5th-9th July) and TIO Women’s Strike League (25th - 30th July) also form part of the new Cricket 365 program.

The City Cyclones, Desert Blaze, Northern Tide and Southern Storm will each take part in the TIO Men’s Strike League One Day Series and T20 Tournament, with these four teams set to be joined by invitational teams in the T20 Tournament during August.

Speaking about the launch of Cricket 365, NT Cricket Chief Executive Joel Morrison said there were three key reasons for the establishment of the program.

“The purpose of Cricket 365 is to enhance the development of Territory players, coaches and match officials; showcase the next generation of Australia’s cricketing superstars to state talent scouts and Big Bash teams; and create a new highly visible platform to promote our community and the game.

“With the support of Cricket Australia and state associations, we will be able to showcase the very best of what the Territory has to offer, both on and off the field, to a national and international audience.

“Establishing Cricket 365 gives us an opportunity to bring Cricket Australia’s high performance program to the Top End every year. This enables us to support our cricket community by providing regular access to expert coaching, high performance development programs and elite cricket pathway opportunities.”

Cricket Australia’s National Talent and Pathways Manager Graham Manou is excited about the Cricket 365 program and the opportunities it provides in supporting the development of players Australia wide.

“The Northern Territory and NT Cricket has always played an important role in supporting the development of emerging players and Australian Cricket as a whole. With the cancellation of many Pathway programs and competitions over the last year, this has never been more significant.

“It is important during this time we find ways for players to continue their development in a competitive environment. The introduction of Cricket 365 will provide a wonderful platform for some of the country’s best to do so.”

Player nominations are now open and can be found along with more information here.

Image courtesy of ntcricket.com.au/