Victoria and Western Australia Win 2026 National Indigenous Cricket Championships

Victoria has won its first women’s National Indigenous Cricket Championship (NICC) after defeating New South Wales in the decider, while Western Australia men’s team claimed its fifth title – second in the NICC standalone era – after defeating Victoria on Yuwibara Country in Mackay.

Both winning teams completed an unbeaten run throughout the championships, with Victoria’s sharp fielding sealing a 58-run win. Player of the match Annabelle Glossop made 21, took three weeks and took the catch of the tournament in the women’s decider.

An unbeaten 83 off 50 balls from player of the match captain Brock Larance led Western Australia to a five-wicket win against Victoria in the men’s grand final, completing an undefeated run for his team, which was the only to defeat Papua New Guinea during the tournament.

The 2026 edition featured eight men’s and five women’s teams competing across five days of competition, culminating in Sunday’s finals.

Papua New Guinea’s Barramundis men’s team joined as an invitational team this year as they prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in Japan next month, while players from the PNG women’s Lewas team joined South Australia’s squad for the championships, along with players from the NT.

James Allsopp, Cricket Australia Chief of Cricket, said:

 “Congratulations to Victoria on winning its maiden women’s NICC title, and the Western Australia men on their fifth title.

“Sunday’s finals, broadcast on NITV and simulcast on Fox Cricket on Kayo, were the culmination of an incredible week of competition and celebration of culture and connection.

“We saw outstanding emerging First Nations talent across the competition, as well as some strong performances from more established players and veterans. The NICC continues to be an important part of our pathways system, exposing domestic players to elite and – with the addition of PNG this year – international-level opposition.

“It was great to see Victoria’s Ella Hayward and Emma Mannix-Geeves, both WNCL and WBBL players, Western Australia’s D’Arcy Short and Mikayla Hinkley, and other experienced players representing their state and mob, as well as giving back to the NICC and giving players exposure to elite opposition.

“We also thank PNG for their involvement this year. The energy and enthusiasm they brought across the competition, as well as the high-level challenge they presented the men’s teams, was greatly appreciated by all.

“Thank you to NICC presenting partner Westpac, official inclusion partner MCC Foundation, Mackay Regional Council, Harrup Park and Yuwi mob for their role in bringing such a spectacular celebration of sport and culture to life.

“Finally, thank you to all our players, coaches, support staff and event staff for making the NICC such a memorable and enjoyable event. We look forward to returning to Yuwibara Country in Mackay again next year for the championships.”

The NICC are supported by Presenting Partner Westpac, official Inclusion Partner Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) Foundation, Mackay Regional Council and Harrup Park.

The participation of the PNG Barramundis team and PNG Lewas players was made possible through support from the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program, which creates opportunities for Pacific athletes, coaches, officials and administrators to access high performance training and elite competition.

Full list of NICC Award Winners  

Women’s Player of the Series – Emma Mannix-Geeves (VIC)
Men’s Player of the Series – Tony Ura (PNG)
Women’s Player of the Grand Final – Annabelle Glossop (VIC)
Men’s Player of the Grand Final – Brock Larance (WA)
Women’s Fielding Award – Emma Mannix-Geeves (VIC)
Men’s Fielding Award – Bevan Bennell (WA)
Women’s Bowling Trophy – Elsie Simpson (WA)
Men’s Bowling Trophy– Patrick Jackson (VIC)
Women’s Batting Trophy – Emma Mannix-Geeves (VIC)
Men’s Batting Trophy – Bevan Bennell (WA)
Women's Spirit of Cricket Award – Victoria
Men's Spirit of Cricket Award – Papua New Guinea  

Men’s Team of the Tournament  
Bevan Bennell (WA)
Brayden DeVries (WA)
D’Arcy Short (WA)
Tony Ura (PNG)
Ethan Fitzpatrick (NSW)
Damon Egan (VIC)
Dane Ugle (WA)
Patrick Jackson (VIC)
Eli Sheean (TAS)
Sam Field (VIC)
Wade King (VIC)
Kaine Balgowan (NSW)  

Women’s Team of the Tournament
Emma Mannix-Geeves (VIC)
Ella Hayward (VIC)
Christina Coulson (QLD)
Mikayla Hinkley (WA)
Callee Black (NSW)
Charlotte Toohey (WA)
Regina Deleeuw (WA)
Veronica Keen (WA)
Jaide Anthony (WA)
Elsie Simpson (WA)
Henao Thomas (SA)
Crystal West (VIC)

ENDS