Century Cricket Competitions have secured a three-year deal with the Mackay Regional Council to bring its hugely successful independent competition to North Queensland.
Century Cricket Group Chair Stuart Giles said that “Since their inception, Century Cricket’s Senior Competitions have been about showcasing talent.
“To be able to bring our competition to Great Barrier Reef Arena as a world class cricket stadium and not only continue to elevate our on-field competition, but to also showcase one of the most stunning tourist regions in Australia to our team owners, sponsors, players and supporters, is exceptionally exciting,” he added.
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson announced that Mackay was the perfect location to host the Century Cricket competitions.
“We are pleased to support this event through our Invest Mackay Events and Conferences Attraction program, which is designed to bring sporting, cultural and commercial events to our region,” Mayor Williamson said.
“We expect these tournaments to draw a big crowd and we’re excited to showcase the Great Barrier Reef Arena, a first-class facility for players and spectators, as we cheer on our very own team, the Great Barrier Reef Rays,” he said.
“The weather in Mackay in August is fantastic for cricket and we look forward to welcoming some of the best national and international cricketers to our region.”
From 2024-2026, the national competition will see eight teams participate in a weekend-long senior competition as they play for a share in an $80,000 prize pool.
There will be representation in Mackay of teams from all three states that currently host Century Cricket Competitions; four teams from Queensland, three teams from South Australia and one team from Victoria.
Century Cricket Group Regional Executive Director Nick Fitzpatrick spoke on the future, with plans “to expand and invite other teams from other states and cities as the Century Cricket Competitions continue to roll out around the country in future years.”
Each franchise will pre-select six players to kick start their squad selection with the remaining six players to be picked at auction in Brisbane on Friday 7 June.
One of the teams joining the Mackay competition is the Great Barrier Reef Rays with former Australian international T20 bowler Ben Laughlin committed to playing for them after a stellar performance in last year’s senior competition in Brisbane.
The competition will run from 2 – 4 August and again follow the Century playing format, which was inspired by The Hundred in the UK; a concept that sees senior players step away from the traditional T20 format and compete in fast paced 100-ball innings featuring five-ball overs and far less changes of ends.
Senior players from anywhere in the country, and around the world, can nominate for the Mackay competition. Nominations are now open via the Century Cricket Competitions website.
Left to right, Century Cricket Group Regional Executive Director Joel Hamilton, Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, Great Barrier Reef Arena and Harrup Park Sports Development & Facilities Manager Luke Kennedy and Great Barrier Reef Arena and Harrup Park Chair Terry Doolan. Photo Credit: Mackay Regional Council
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