Qld government faces million-dollar cricket tug of war to host start of prestigious First Test before the Gabba gets demolished

The start of Australian summer cricket could soon return to the Sunshine State – but it comes with a million-dollar catch for the Queensland government.

The government is pushing for Australia’s favourite summer sport to return to Brisbane before the Gabba gets demolished ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Premier David Crisafulli said the government was in talks with Cricket Australia (CA) to host the First Test of the 2028-29 summer, after the Western Australia deal expires.

Despite Crisafulli’s push CA chair Mike Baird told a Perth luncheon there was “no doubt” that the Test series openers will stay on the west coast.

“The comments from Mr Baird were tongue-in-cheek and I spoke with him yesterday,” Mr Crisafulli told reporters.

“I love Test cricket and I don’t like two-day Tests, which is why you should have a first test at a place where you can get a spectacle.”

The Premier assured Queenslanders that the First Test of the 2032-33 summer will be played at Brisbane’s new Victoria Park stadium as part of new deal struck with CA – as the 2028-29 series remains uncertain.

If Brisbane wanted the First Test back, the government would likely need to fork out upwards of $1 million and offer marketing and tourism support to Cricket Australia, according to sources.

“Beyond 2026-27, nothing has been decided about hosting rights for the First Test and we will go through the usual negotiation process to ensure we get the balance between commercial and competitive factors right,” Mr Baird told The Courier Mail.

“Despite the early finish the crowds and viewing figures for the West Test were fantastic and emphasise why cities across Australia are so keen to host Test cricket.

“The interest shown by both the West Australian and Queensland governments in hosting the First Test is understandable, given the excitement the event creates.

“We are looking forward to the First Test against New Zealand next season at Perth Stadium.”

If Mr Crisafulli can strike another deal with CA to farewell the Gabba one last time – it would be another win for Queensland.

A few days ago the Sunshine State scored the hosting rights to the 2026 Rugby League World Cup Men’s and Women’s Grand Finals at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

Further matches have also been secured for Townsville and the Gold Coast.

Mr Crisafulli also scored a blockbuster lineup of AFL, NRL and netball derbies set for June 6, 2026 – the state’s birthday.

“Queensland Day is about celebrating all things Queensland – and now we’ve delivered the sporting games to match,” he said.

“Queenslanders will see: Broncos v Titans, Cowboys v Dolphins, Gold Coast Suns v Brisbane Lions and Queensland Firebirds v Sunshine Coast Lightning.

“I can’t wait.”

SkyNews.com.au has reached out to the Leader of the Queensland Opposition, Steven Miles for comment regarding the Mr Crisafulli’s push for Brisbane to reclaim the First Test.