The Prime Minister's XI cricket match will no longer be held at Manuka Oval in Canberra, with the historic fixture moving to Melbourne's Junction Oval for the 2025 edition. Cricket Australia confirmed the decision, citing scheduling conflicts and the need to rotate venues.
End of an era for Canberra cricket
Manuka Oval had hosted the Prime Minister's XI match since 1984, becoming a beloved tradition in the capital. The match typically features a team selected by the Prime Minister against a visiting international side. The 2025 match will be played on January 10 at Junction Oval, St Kilda.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr expressed disappointment, stating, "Canberra has a proud history of hosting the Prime Minister's XI, and it's a shame to see it go." Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said the decision was made to "grow the game across different regions."
Impact on local cricket community
The relocation is a blow to Cricket ACT, which relies on the event for revenue and exposure. The match attracts thousands of spectators and generates significant economic activity for Canberra. In 2023, the match drew a crowd of 8,500 at Manuka Oval.
"This is a significant loss for our cricket community," said Cricket ACT CEO James Allsopp. "We hope to host the match again in the future."
Future of Prime Minister's XI
Cricket Australia plans to rotate the Prime Minister's XI match among different venues, including regional centres. The 2026 match is yet to be scheduled, but Canberra remains a possibility. The decision aligns with the sport's strategy to broaden its appeal.
