In a first since its inception in 2017, the Northern Territory will not be fielding a team in the National Indigenous Cricket Championships. NT Cricket attributes this decision to a lack of talent and funding for developing Indigenous cricketers locally. Despite this, the tournament remains open to teams from all over the country, with the NT still vying to retain hosting rights.
The absence of a Northern Territory team in the seventh edition of the National Indigenous Cricket Championships has created a unique situation, as the territory has hosted the competition every year but will not be participating this time. NT Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey cited challenges in depth and talent as contributing factors to this outcome.
Efforts were made to form a mixed team with other states and territories facing similar issues, such as Tasmania, South Australia, and the ACT. Despite the conclusion of the Imparja Cup with local Aboriginal teams in Alice Springs, no NT team was assembled for the championships.
Graeme Smith, CEO of Imparja Television, which sponsors the local Indigenous cricket competition, emphasized the need to nurture talent rather than expecting ready-made skill. He suggested that moving the national tournament from Alice Springs could help grow participation within the Territory.
Mr. Dovey highlighted the difficulty in funding programs to develop Indigenous players due to NT Cricket not being affiliated with Cricket Australia. Mr. Smith expressed his intention to secure commitments from NT Cricket to support the development of local Indigenous talent through the Imparja Cup.
The future location of the tournament remains uncertain, but discussions are ongoing regarding how to best support Indigenous cricket in the Northern Territory.
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