In a historic first, Papua New Guinea's national cricket team are set to participate in next month's National Indigenous Cricket Championships.
Following consultation with the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cricket Advisory Group, the PNG outfit — known as the Barramundis — are set to compete in the NICC men's state and territory division for the first time.
Expanding the men's draw to eight teams, the Barramundis will compete in the men's rounds however will not compete for points or be eligible for the tournament final.
Cricket Australia Chief of Cricket, James Allsopp, said the addition of the Barramundis added a new chapter to the tournament's history.
"We're looking forward to an incredible level of competition once again in 2026 as we mark 10 years since the National Indigenous Cricket Championships started as a standalone competition after originating in the annual Imparja Cup in the Northern Territory," he said.
"With 13 teams competing, the NICC brings together the best First Nations cricketing talent from across the states and territories for six days of competitive cricket and cultural celebration.
"We welcome the PNG Barramundis as an invitational team for the first time, as well as PNG Lewas women's players, an extension of the relationship between our First Nations pathways program and the Australian Government's PacificAus Sports Program, which has previously seen Australia's national Indigenous teams compete in Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu."
In the men's division, hosts Queensland will look to defend their title, with New South Wales, Western Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia and Northern Territory also fielding teams.
In the women's division, Western Australia returns after winning their maiden title in 2025, along with teams from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.
The South Australia women's team will also feature players from Northern Territory and Papua New Guinea.
Teams in both divisions will compete in a round-robin format, with a cultural activity day planned for Friday April 17.
The top two teams from both divisions will then compete in the tournament's finals at Great Barrier Reef Arena on Sunday, April 19.
Preliminary round action will be broadcast on Cricket Australia's YouTube channel, with finals set to be broadcast live on National Indigenous Television (NITV) across April 18 and 19.
The 2026 National Indigenous Cricket Championships will be held from April 14-19 in Mackay, with matches to be played at Great Barrier Reef Arena and surrounding grounds at Harrup Park.
