Defending BBL|14 Champions the Hobart Hurricanes will headline a quintet of Big Bash Academy Squads heading north for the 2025 Top End T20 Series sponsored by Tourism NT.
International sides Nepal, Pakistan Shaheens, Bangladesh ‘A’ and the Chicago Kingsmen will be joined by the Hurricanes, Perth Scorchers, Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Stars, Melbourne Renegades, ACT Comets, and NT Strike.
The Top End T20 Series has grown from 5 teams in 2023 to a record 11 teams in 2025, fuelled by the rapid expansion of T20 Franchise cricket globally and an increasing demand by young players for more T20 playing opportunities.
Northern Territory Cricket’s unique winter cricket event will again offer the Big Bash Franchises the opportunity to expose their next generation of talent to high pressure game scenarios and elite international teams and competition.
The event welcomed a new level of elite talent in 2024 with the likes of Will Sutherland, Jake Weatherald, D’Arcy Short, Marcus Harris, Hilton Cartright, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Liam Scott, Lloyd Pope, and Josh Brown participating.
The Top End T20 Series provides a highly visible and marketable platform in which to promote the Territory as a unique must visit destination to a global audience.
The 2024 Top End T20 Series was broadcast to over 129 countries around the world, achieving a unique audience of 1.3 million people and a total viewership of 12.8 million.
NT Cricket CEO, Gavin Dovey:
“The growth of the Top End T20 Series has just been phenomenal. To now have two ICC Full-Member Associations, one ICC Associate-Member and more than half the Big Bash Franchises sending their Academy Squads to Darwin is just fantastic.
“We have always been steadfast in our belief that our winter cricket concept is a unique asset that offers both Australian Cricket and the Northern Territory incredible opportunities, so it is really pleasing seeing these coming to life.”
Melbourne Renegades General Manager, James Rosengarten:
“The Top End T20 has become an important part of our Big Bash preparation, giving members of our squad valuable experience in unique conditions.”
“It’s a great opportunity for both our established and emerging players to test themselves against other BBL squads and international T20 teams in pressured limited overs scenarios.
“We’re looking forward to getting together as a squad and engaging with the local community in Darwin once again.”
Melbourne Stars General Manager, Max Abbott:
“We are really pumped to be going back up to Darwin for the Top End T20 Series. Obviously in Melbourne in August it's very difficult to be getting outside and playing matches.
“We've spoken about it a lot internally about how do we get more T20 cricket into some of our younger players. Obviously across the Big Bash season it's only a six-week season so every game counts, and there's not really an opportunity sometimes to blood youngsters into the squad.
“I know that our coaches and selectors will be keenly watching this tournament to assess who can fill the final spots on our list. We've deliberately leaving a couple of spots free so that those younger players can have the opportunity to perform.”
A full 2025 Top End T20 Series Schedule will be announced shortly.
2025 Top End T20 Series Teams
- Nepal National Team
- Pakistan Shaheens
- Bangladesh ‘A’
- Chicago Kingsmen
- Hobart Hurricanes Academy
- Perth Scorchers Academy
- Adelaide Strikers Academy
- Melbourne Stars Academy
- Melbourne Renegades Academy
- ACT Comets
- NT Strike