Reflecting on the 2026 National Indigenous Cricket Championships
In the spirit of NAIDOC Week, we are reflecting on the achievements of some of Australia’s most talented First Nations cricketers, who competed earlier this year at the 2026 National Indigenous Cricket Championships on Yuwibara Country in Mackay.
The NICC is an annual T20 tournament, supported by the MCC Foundation and Cricket Australia, that brings together talented First Nations players from across Australia to develop their skills, build connections and pursue opportunities at the highest levels of the game.
Following a renewal of the partnership between the MCC Foundation and Cricket Australia in November 2025, the 2026 NICC featured an increased focus on talent identification and cultural mentorship.
Eight men's and five women's teams competed across five days of play, joined by an invitational side – Papua New Guinea's national men's team – adding an international dimension to the competition.
In the women’s competition, Victoria completed an unbeaten run to claim their first-ever NICC title, with Annabelle Glossop producing a match-winning performance in the decider. In the men's final, Western Australia captain Brock Larance led from the front to secure back-to-back titles for his side.
The finals were broadcast on NITV and Fox Cricket and are available to rewatch on Kayo and SBS On Demand.
Following the championships, attention now turns to the MCG Training Camp, set to take place in November. Delivered in partnership with the MCC Foundation and Cricket Australia, the annual training camp welcomes standout players from the NICC to the MCG for a further opportunity to develop their skills, build connections and take the next step in their cricketing journey.
MCC General Manager of Commercial Operations and Partnerships Tanya Gallina said the Club was proud to play a role in making the championships and training camp possible.
“The MCC Foundation's partnership with the NICC reflects our genuine commitment to First Nations cricket. Events like this are where pathways are shaped and careers can begin.
“We look forward to welcoming the players, coaches and support staff to the MCG for another successful training camp later in the year.”
The MCC Foundation's partnership with Cricket Australia to deliver the NICC and MCG Training Camp is one of the Club's key reconciliation commitments under its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. To learn more, visit Reconciliation.
