Asian powerhouses Pakistan and Bangladesh will both field representative teams in the upcoming Top End T20 Series in Darwin.
The Pakistan Shaheens, who finished runners-up in last year’s competition, are returning for the 2024 edition and will be joined by a Bangladesh High Performance squad.
As announced by Northern Territory Cricket last week, the Top End T20 Series will expand to a nine-team tournament, up from six teams in 2023.
The influx of domestic talent is led by the five-time KFC BBL Champion Perth Scorchers, while the Adelaide Strikers and Tasmanian Tigers will also field teams for the first time.
Defending champions the NT Strike, ACT Comets and Academy sides from the Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars round out the competition.
The Top End T20 is the marquee event of the Cricket 365 program which showcases the next generation of Australian players continuing their progression to domestic and international cricket.
Last year Jake Fraser-McGurk and Will Sutherland lit up the Top End T20 before springboarding into the domestic season and earning international debuts during the summer.
Gavin Dovey, NT Cricket CEO said:
“We’re thrilled the Top End T20 Series will expand this year and continue to bring the best emerging domestic and international talent to the Northern Territory.”
“To have two cricket powerhouses in Pakistan and Bangladesh now participating alongside half of the Big Bash League Franchises is a testament to the potential of winter cricket in the Territory.”
Kade Harvey, Perth Scorchers General Manager said:
“We’re thrilled to be part of the Top End T20 Series, which has grown significantly since it started.
“The competition adds another layer to what our pre-season would typically be, exposing players to tournament conditions ahead of the Australian domestic season.
“It’s also a great opportunity for some of WA’s most promising prospects to test themselves against quality opponents from Australia and Asia.
“We’re grateful for all the work put in by everybody at NT Cricket, who make the event possible each year.”
Blair Crouch, Melbourne Stars General Manager said:
“We are thrilled to be returning to the Northern Territory for the third year in a row with the Melbourne Stars Academy.
“This tournament plays an important role for us in identifying young talent within the T20 system in Victoria and gives invaluable experience to our contracted players and those in the academy by being able to experience tournament conditions in what is traditionally the middle of their preseason.
“My thanks go to Gavin and the team at NT Cricket for their tremendous work and we’re looking forward to the expanded competition this year.”
Usman Wahla, PCB Director International Cricket said:
“I am grateful to Northern Territory for inviting the Pakistan Shaheens for the second success year.
“Last year, the players had a memorable experience and enjoyed playing and performing in excellent playing conditions, in front of enthusiastic cricket fans.”
Naimur Rahman, Bangladesh Cricket Board’s High Performance unit Chairman said:
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Northern Territory Cricket and Cricket Australia for inviting the BCB High Performance team to the prestigious Top End Series.
“This opportunity will undoubtedly provide invaluable experience to our players, exposing them to a high standard of competition.”
Beginning on Friday 9 August, the nine teams will battle it out across 30 action-packed T20s and 10 days of cricket across multiple venues.
Each team will play six fixtures during the round robin ahead of the Finals Day on Sunday 18 August.
Broadcast information and squads for the tournament will be announced shortly.
