NITV and Cricket Australia elevate First Nations sport with National Indigenous Cricket Championships Finals live broadcast on 7 April

National Indigenous Television (NITV) and Cricket Australia have announced the live broadcast of the National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC) finals on NITV and SBS On Demand on Monday 7 April from 9.15am (AEST), bringing this important event to national audiences in a free-to-air exclusive.

The week-long T20 tournament culminates in the Women’s and Men’s finals, with teams competing for victory. The Women’s final airs live at 9.15am, and the Men’s final at 1.45pm, with this being the first time NITV has broadcast the NICC.

The two finals will be separated by the fascinating documentary, Walkabout Wickets, at 12.30pm on NITV, which follows the 2018 National Indigenous Cricket team as they retrace the steps of an 1868 Aboriginal cricket team, who were the first Australian sports team to tour overseas.

The National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC) will this year be held on Yuwibara Country in Mackay, Queensland, a historic first for the event. NICC showcases some of the best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricketers from across the country, with many playing in the Big Bash Leagues, First-Class and Premier Cricket, providing the opportunity to celebrate cricket’s connection with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NICC offers a pathway for talented and aspiring Indigenous cricketers to display their skill on the national stage, following in the footsteps of Scott Boland, Ashleigh Gardner, D’Arcy Short and Dan Christian, who have all competed in the national championships before going on to represent Australia at the highest level.

Says Hannah Darlington, Kamilaroi woman, NSW cricket player and Cricket Australia RAP ambassador: “It’s fantastic the NICC finals will be broadcast on NITV this year. It’s a great way to celebrate the incredible talent within our Indigenous cricket communities while highlighting the importance of culture and connection through sport.”

Says Jason Oakley, Acting General Manager at NITV: “NITV has a proud history in supporting Indigenous sport. From live broadcasts to panel shows, we are invested in showcasing Black excellence to all Australians, with one of these avenues being sport. Cricket is a much-loved, national pastime, so it’s with joy that we’re working with Cricket Australia on the NICC. We hope that by elevating sport on NITV, we help inspire the next generation of children to get involved.”

Says Megan Barnett-Smith, Cricket Australia’s Head of Social Impact and Sustainability: “The NICC is such an important event for Indigenous cricket. It brings together incredible talent from across the country and highlights the strength of communities through sport.

“Having the finals broadcast nationally on NITV is a wonderful platform to share these stories and achievements with a wider audience, inspiring pride and connection.”

Since 2016, the NICC has brought together hundreds of talented Indigenous cricketers, coaches and match officials from different mobs to celebrate cricket, culture and Country.

Watch the National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC) Finals on NITV and SBS On Demand on Monday 7 April from 9.15am (AEST).

Image: Getty Images

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