AB Field, Kalinga upgrades backed

Allan Border Field is set to become bigger and substantially better after the Federal Government made a multi-million dollar pledge to significant facelifts for two Brisbane cricket grounds.

Cricket Australia's plans for a 'National Cricket Campus' are a step closer to materialising following a $7million pre-federal election commitment from the government on Monday.

Under the plan, the playing arena at the boutique AB Field in Brisbane's north will be upgraded, new off-field facilities will be constructed, while new lighting, terrace seating and an electronic scoreboard will be installed.

In a boost for Australia's national sides preparing for major events, the ground’s already world-class training facilities will receive five new training wickets, including another pitch that mirrors subcontinental conditions.

CA's plan to improve "drainage and turf facility management to allow for 365-day-a-year field usage" at AB Field will be a welcome upgrade.

The opening day of last year's JLT Sheffield Shield final, hosted and won by Queensland, was washed out despite sunshine bearing down on the ground for nearly the entire day.

Queensland hope to host more cricket, including international women's matches along with WBBL, Sheffield Shield and JLT Cup games, when AB Field has been upgraded.

Monday's announcement means over $11m has been committed to the National Cricket Campus project. CA and Queensland Cricket have previously committed a combined $4.25m.

"Ongoing discussions (are) being held with the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council for the remaining funding," a CA statement said.

Facilities at Kalinga's Shaw Road, a 10-minute drive from AB Field, will also be significantly upgraded under the plan.

"The development of Shaw Road and redevelopment of Allan Border Field will provide outstanding facilities for many groups within the cricket community," CA chief Kevin Roberts said.

"It will enhance the preparation of our men’s and women’s national teams for next year’s ICC T20 World Cup and support the development of our national youth programs with the best possible facilities.

"National Indigenous and All-Abilities squads will also benefit from access to the same experiences as any of our national cricket teams.

"We are delighted the Federal Government is providing $7 million towards this project and thank the Prime Minister and his federal colleagues for their commitment to Australian cricket."

Queensland Cricket boss Max Walters believes the plan will help Brisbane retain its status as Australia's "premier cricket location".

"Today’s funding announcement will go a long way in helping us get there," said Walters.

“The redeveloped Allan Border Field will allow us to host more Sheffield Shield, JLT Cup, WBBL and Women’s International matches.

"By doing so we will ease the pressure on hosting matches at the Gabba and will give Brisbane a second marquee first-class cricket facility."