Central Australia's annual Indigenous cricket tournament is set to return to Mparntwe/Alice Springs in February after NT Cricket confirmed the dates for the 2025 Imparja Cup.
The 32nd iteration of the tournament will be held on Arrernte country from 15-19 February, drawing hundreds of Indigenous players, coaches, match officials and volunteers from communities across the Northern Territory to celebrate cricket, country and culture.
Built on its history as a local cricket match between Alice Springs and Tenant Creek in the mid 1990s, the tournament has evolved over decades into a culturally significant sporting event for both the Northern Territory and broader Indigenous cricket community.
Similar to previous tournaments, the 2025 competition will feature four competitions with Major Centres, Men's Community, Women's Community and Schools divisions to be included.
The tournament will also host the Imparja Schools Cup Day, where hundreds of local primary school students will participate in games aimed at inspiring the next generation of Central Australian Indigenous cricketers.
Imparja Cup co-founder, Shane Franey, speaking on behalf of Alice Springs' Traditional Owners, welcomed visitors to Arrernte country for the Imparja Cup.
"We extend our gratitude to NT Cricket for 32 years of partnership with the Aboriginal cricketing community and offer a special welcome to the Warramungu cricketers from Tennant Creek," Franey said.
The Imparja Cup's continuance in the Red Centre comes after Cricket Australia last month announced the National Indigenous Cricket Championships would be departing Alice Springs for Mackay, a move labelled disappointing at the time.
However, NT Cricket chief executive officer Gavin Dovey said the Cup would continue to be held in its traditional home.
"The Imparja Cup continues to be the 'jewel in the crown' of Indigenous cricket and we are proud and committed to ensuring this incredible cricket story continues for years to come," Dovey said.
"We look forward to working closely with our Indigenous community to make the 32nd edition of this event bigger and better than ever."
The National Indigenous Cricket Championships' (NICC) history is rooted to Central Australia, with the Imparja Cup including a state and territory division until the NICC was established as a standalone tournament by Cricket Australia in 2016.
With the NICC being held in April, months later than its traditional February calendar slot, Dovey said the Imparja Cup shaped as the ideal opportunity for players to put their name forward for Territory selection.
"Excitingly, the Imparja Cup now also shapes as a genuine selection vehicle for our talented male and female players keen to represent the NT at the National Indigenous Cricket Championships in Mackay in April," he said.
Alice Springs Mayor, Matt Paterson, said council was thrilled to welcome the Imparja Cup back to the town.
"What a great opportunity to come together on Arrernte country to celebrate community, culture, town spirit – and of course, see some sensational cricket!" Mr Paterson said.
"We are proud to support NT Cricket's fantastic festival which continues to inspire future players and fans alike."
Registration for the 2025 Imparja Cup is free and open to both new and past teams from both the Northern Territory and across Australia, with team nominations now being accepted.
In addition to players, NT Cricket is also seeking expressions of interest from umpires and scorers who would like to participate in the 2025 Imparja Cup.
