North Sydney Oval to remain home of women's cricket

Cricket Australia (CA), Cricket NSW and the Sydney Sixers, in conjunction with the North Sydney Council, today confirmed that North Sydney Oval will remain the home of women’s cricket in Sydney for at least the next four years.



Cricket has been a long-term summer tenant at North Sydney Oval, largely through the Australian Women’s Cricket Team and Sydney Sixers Rebel Women’s Big Bash League side, but also through first class NSW cricket, including hosting the Blues and Breakers.



The venue has hosted some of cricket’s most important and memorable women’s matches, including the 2009 Women’s Cricket World Cup Final and the inaugural Women’s Ashes Day/Night Test in 2017 where Ellyse Perry scored an incredible double-century.



The commitment shown by the North Sydney Council reflects Australian Cricket’s commitment to be the number one sport for women and girls by ensuring that the elite women’s game can be played at first class venues where female players and fans are put first.



As part of the deal, CA has guaranteed there will be at least one women’s international match featuring the Australian Women’s Team as well as four Rebel Women’s Big Bash League matches played at North Sydney Oval every season for at least the next four years with the option to be extended to another four years.



Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager of Fan Engagement Anthony Everard said:



“We’re very pleased to be announcing that North Sydney will continue to be the home of women’s cricket for the next four years, with the option to extend four years beyond that,” Everard said.



“We are committed to elevating elite women’s cricket, and ensuring we play at first class venues where female players and fans are put first is integral.”



“Fans have already shown us that they love coming to North Sydney Oval to watch international cricket, and the Council’s commitment to the venue will make it a first class experience,” he said.



North Sydney Mayor, Councillor Jilly Gibson said:



“North Sydney Council is delighted that our historic Oval will be the home ground of the WBBL Sydney Sixers and the Sydney home for women’s cricket at the State and International level for the next eight years.



"Our Council has invested approximately $5M in upgrading the facilities at North Sydney Oval to ensure it can host first class sport. More improvements are planned over the next two years.



"We are delighted to support women’s cricket as it continues to grow in popularity across Australia and internationally. This announcement is great news for our community, cricket fans and the local economy.”



Cricket NSW has utilised the ground over many summers, with it being the home of Premier Cricket team, North Sydney, as well as a go to ground for the Blues and Breakers.



“North Sydney Oval is one of the great cricket grounds in Sydney and has played host to many first class and elite level matches over the years,” said Michael Dalton, Cricket NSW Chief Operating Officer.



“This agreement between Cricket NSW, Cricket Australia and North Sydney Council cements its place as the home of women’s cricket in Sydney for the Australian Women’s Cricket Team and the Sydney Sixers WBBL team, but also ensure elite cricket continues to be played at the venue.”



Sydney Sixers General Manager Jodie Hawkins added:



“North Sydney Oval is one of the most picturesque grounds in Sydney and the Sixers WBBL team are delighted to call it home. The ground is fantastic for fans who can soak up the atmosphere on the hill or in the stands in a great suburban setting.”



The third match of the Commonwealth Bank T20I Series between Australia and Sri Lanka will be played tomorrow at 2pm, while the WBBL starts at the venue on Friday 18 October with the Sydney Sixers taking on the Sydney Thunder.