Jason ‘Dizzy’ Gillespie expresses his concerns for Indigenous cricket

One of Australia’s greatest test players has sounded the alarm on the current state of Indigenous cricket in the country as he takes on a new international challenge.

Darcy Jennings

less than 2 min read

July 22, 2024 - 4:16PM

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Pakistan's new red-ball coach Jason Gillespie speaks during a press conference at the National Stadium in Karachi on July 7, 2024. Picture: Asif HASSAN / AFP.

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Jason ‘Dizzy’ Gillespie expressed his concern for the future of Indigenous cricket during his recent travels to the Top End.

In Darwin with the Pakistan Shaheens for a friendly four-day match against Bangladesh A, the former quick lamented the current state of affairs.

A proud Kamilaroi man and the first Indigenous man to wear the baggy green, Gillespie has been an outspoken figure on Indigenous affairs and is a firm believer that more needs to be done in the sphere.

“Indigenous cricket is a work in progress,” Gillespie said.

“There are a number of players that are visible, particularly in the BBL and WBBL.

“We also see visibility in Indigenous rounds, barefoot circles and welcome to country, which are all fantastic.

“But I’d love Cricket Australia to probably invest some dollars into particularly the Imparja Cup.”

Alice Springs took home the choccies in the Major Centres grand final, defeating Brothers in Arms. Picture: Charlie Lowson/NT Cricket.

The country’s biggest Indigenous cricket festival, the cup has been a major date on the cricket calendar since its inception in 1993.

Held in Alice Springs, the cup was the inspiration for Cricket Australia's National Indigenous Cricket Championships, which now runs alongside the cup.

But, despite being held in the NT, the Territory failed to enter a side into the draw earlier this year, a decision that did not go down well with locals.

The common consensus among those involved is now one of angst, with some fearing the lack of an NT team might ruin the popularity of the sport in a footy mad land.

Openly unhappy with the current situation, Gillespie called for more to be invested into the tournament and others like it.

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“I think it’s a great tournament,” he said.

“I think it’s underfunded, under-resourced (but still is) something that young Indigenous players can aspire to.

“I think that’s pretty important if we can get some more resources into that, and we can get some more resources and get out to the communities and do some more work, that will be a step in the right direction.”

Originally published as Jason ‘Dizzy’ Gillespie expresses his concerns for Indigenous cricket