The South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) and Cricket Australia have announced a long-term deal securing Adelaide Oval as the host venue for the final Test Match before Christmas from 2025 through to the 2030/31 summer. This landmark agreement includes the highly anticipated Ashes series in the 2025/26 summer.
For the first time, fans will enjoy unprecedented long-term certainty in the annual cricket calendar, with Adelaide Oval guaranteed to host the last Test Match before Christmas each year. The agreement means that the next seven years will be a mixture of day and day/night fixtures.
SACA President William Rayner said today’s announcement was the result of extended negotiations with Cricket Australia and was made possible by the unwavering support of SACA members and the cricket loving public in South Australia.
“This is a fantastic outcome for our members and all cricket fans who turned up in such extraordinary numbers for this year’s Test Match. We’ve worked tirelessly with Cricket Australia to secure a long-term agreement that rewards our loyal supporters and strengthens Australian cricket as a whole,” Mr Rayner said.
After this year’s Day/Night match against India and the Women’s Ashes, Adelaide Oval will host the Christmas Test for the following six years. This announcement means fans will know exactly when the Adelaide Test will be held and ensures that the ‘Christmas Test’ involves the top touring side and will be played while the series is still alive each year.
“The Adelaide Test is already a highlight of the global cricket calendar, and today’s announcement will only add to the appeal for local fans, and interstate and international visitors alike. The benefits of today’s announcement will be felt through the cricket community, as well as our local and state economy, Mr Rayner said.
“We are grateful for the support of the State Government in helping to make this happen and we look forward to working with them to make the Christmas Test a destination event for cricket lovers from across Australia and the globe.”
The seven-year deal will also see a mix of men’s and women’s international limited overs each year along with the Adelaide Strikers marquee New Year’s Eve match at Adelaide Oval.
“We are delighted Adelaide Oval will continue to host a fantastic array of matches and events over the next seven years including the Christmas Test and the BBL New Year's Eve match, said Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer, Nick Hockley.
“We are enormously grateful to the SA Government whose support will help us to enhance the already iconic NRMA Insurance Adelaide Test, create brilliant experiences for fans and maximise economic outcomes for the state."
In anticipation of today’s announcement, SACA has begun investing in a range of improvements to Adelaide Oval members’ facilities, including an expanded Village Green, the return of Fashions on the Green, exclusive member areas in the Riverbank Stand, and upgraded food and beverage offerings.