Uncertain Future as an International Venue
The Gabba in Brisbane has been the backdrop for numerous legendary Test cricket moments—think of the 1960 tied match, Ian Botham's final heroic innings, Shane Warne's career-defining performance, Peter Siddle's memorable birthday hat-trick, India's historic victory in 2021, and Shamar Joseph's remarkable display, to name just a few. However, the stadium's future as an international cricket venue now faces significant doubts.
On Sunday, it was disclosed that the Queensland government has only secured a two-year agreement with Cricket Australia, raising concerns about the Gabba's place on the international cricket calendar beyond the upcoming India Test and next year's Ashes fixture. The uncertainty looms large, and it remains unclear when—or if—the Gabba will host Test cricket again after these matches.
The 2025-26 Ashes series will mark the 49th consecutive season of Test matches at the Gabba, but it won't see a 50th. The iconic venue has been excluded from hosting any of the four New Zealand Tests scheduled for the following year. There are, however, ongoing discussions about the possibility of white-ball internationals, with England expected to visit for ODIs and T20Is during that period. As the Gabba nears the end of its operational lifespan in 2030, Brisbane is set to host the 2032 Olympics. Initially, plans were in place for a complete rebuild of the stadium, but the Queensland government abandoned these due to high costs. Instead, a renovation is expected, alongside upgrades to other stadiums in the city.
Government Decisions and Cricket Australia's Concerns
While a full reconstruction would have rendered the stadium unusable for several years, uncertainty still exists regarding its availability during the renovation process.
In an open letter, Queensland Cricket's chair Kirsten Pike and chief executive Terry Svenson expressed their frustrations and concerns about the future of cricket in the state. They stated that the government’s decision to abandon the rebuild and scale back the Gabba's role in the Olympics had directly and indirectly affected their operations.
"It is profoundly disappointing that the 2026-27 Gabba Test has become a casualty of the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the infrastructure planning and development for the 2032 Olympics, particularly concerning the Gabba," they wrote. They further warned that the prolonged uncertainty could significantly impact cricket participation and fan engagement across Queensland.
Allan Border, former Australia and Queensland captain, voiced his opinion last week, suggesting that a new multipurpose venue should be constructed in Brisbane. He expressed regret over the current situation, noting that Cricket Australia needs certainty over the next few years regarding the Gabba's usability. Border proposed demolishing the Gabba and building a new 60,000-seat stadium in Victoria Park, designed to accommodate rugby, cricket, Australian rules football, and the Olympics, while repurposing the Gabba site for housing.
Regardless of what lies ahead for Brisbane’s primary cricket venue, there might be a new contender on the horizon. Tasmania has ambitions to host indoor Test cricket at a proposed new stadium in Hobart, which is expected to be ready by 2029. Despite this, Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird stressed that it’s difficult to imagine Brisbane not being a regular Test match destination. However, he emphasized that appropriate facilities and a supportive venue are essential.
Baird acknowledged the Gabba's limited remaining lifespan, stating that a solution must be found to ensure Brisbane continues to host top-tier cricket. He mentioned ongoing collaborations with the AFL to develop a long-term plan that would secure a premier venue in Brisbane, ensuring the continued success of Queensland Cricket and Australian cricket for the foreseeable future.
Alternative Venues and Future Prospects
Queensland Cricket, in their letter, expressed hope that despite the current uncertainties and lack of concrete plans, Test cricket would return to the Gabba after the 2026-27 summer.
While the Gabba's future is in question, Queensland does have other smaller international venues. Allan Border Field in Brisbane frequently hosts women's matches and Australia A games, while the Gold Coast was the site of a T20I against the West Indies in 2022. Additionally, regional Queensland venues such as Mackay, Townsville, and Cairns have hosted T20Is and ODIs, with Townsville and Cairns playing a role in the 2022 series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand, respectively.
Looking ahead, Australia’s men’s Future Tours Programme includes some winter home cricket, which could provide opportunities for venues like Cairns and Townsville. South Africa is slated to visit for ODIs and T20Is in August 2025, while Afghanistan has been allocated a Test and three T20Is in July 2026, though these fixtures seem uncertain given Cricket Australia's current stance on bilateral series with Afghanistan.