Cricket Victoria has announced its women’s squad for the 2026 edition of the National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC), unveiling a talented and culturally diverse group set to represent the state on the national stage.
The 14-player squad reflects the strength and growth of Indigenous cricket pathways in Victoria, bringing together a mix of emerging prospects and experienced performers from across multiple Aboriginal communities. The selection highlights Cricket Victoria’s continued commitment to fostering Indigenous participation and excellence within the game.
Squad: Anabelle Glossop, Brooke Nam, Cindy Duson, Crystal West, Ella Hayward, Emma Mannix-Geeves, Jaide Anthony, Jasmine Buzacott, Merinda Hale, Rose Stewart, Shawana Brown, Taya Munro, Taylah Blacklaw, Tya Fry
Coached by Jamie Jewiss and managed by Fiona Hale, the squad will head into the tournament aiming to build on previous campaigns while continuing to develop both on and off the field. Several players bring valuable top-level experience into the group.
Ella Hayward is an established all-rounder who has represented Victoria and featured in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), contributing with both bat and ball across formats. Meanwhile, Emma Manix-Geeves adds depth as a wicketkeeper-batter, having built a strong record in the Women’s National Cricket League with Tasmania, including a List A century and consistent middle-order performances.
The NICC remains one of the most significant events in Australian cricket’s calendar, providing a national stage for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players to showcase their skills. The tournament features both men’s and women’s competitions, with teams representing states and territories in a limited-overs format.
The 2026 NICC will be staged in Mackay on Yuwibara Country, following confirmation from Cricket Australia that the tournament will return to the region for both the 2026 and 2027 editions. Matches will be played at Great Barrier Reef Arena and Harrup Park, with the competition running from 14–19 April. The tournament will be contested in a T20 format across five days, beginning with an opening ceremony on 13 April and concluding with the finals on 19 April. A dedicated cultural activity day is scheduled for 17 April, reinforcing the event’s role as more than just a cricket competition.
The championship carries deep cultural importance. The event celebrates the rich history and ongoing contribution of Indigenous players to Australian cricket, while also creating a space for connection, storytelling, and community engagement. It is widely regarded as both a high-performance competition and a meaningful cultural gathering.
For many players, the NICC serves as a crucial pathway to higher honours. Strong performances at the tournament have historically led to selection in national Indigenous squads and broader representative opportunities within Australian cricket. As a result, the competition plays a key role in talent identification and development.
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