- The Crisafulli Government has secured another major event for Queensland, with an all-new T20 spectacle to debut in Cairns.
- The T20 Gold Clash is a must-see sporting showdown between cricket royalty and footy icons, and the newest much-see on Queensland’s extensive sporting and events calendar.
- Team Cricket includes Usman Khawaja, Michael Hussey, Aaron Finch, and wildcard Ash Barty lead Team Cricket, while Jonathan Thurston, Sam Burgess, Joel Selwood, Dale Thomas lead Team Footy.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering better services through a stronger economy and new opportunities for Far North Queensland through Destination 2045 after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its commitment to grow Queensland’s visitor economy through major events, with the Australian-first Gold Clash set to debut in Cairns this November.
Inspired by New Zealand’s Black Clash, Gold Clash will put Queensland centre stage, uniting cricket and footy stars in a high-octane T20 showdown designed to entertain fans and attract visitors from across the country.
It’s just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering better services through a stronger economy, with the Australian-first event will be staged at Cazalys Stadium, Cairns on Sunday, 22 November 2026.
Team Cricket features some of Australia’s biggest sporting names, led by Usman Khawaja alongside Michael Hussey and Aaron Finch.
Australian tennis champion and former Brisbane Heat player Ash Barty joins the squad as Team Cricket’s wildcard selection.
Team Footy brings together some of the biggest names in rugby league and Australian rules football, with Queensland favourite Jonathan Thurston, premiership winner Sam Burgess, and AFL greats Joel Selwood and Dale Thomas among the first players announced.
With more stars still to come, Gold Clash is shaping up as a must-see event that will put Queensland in the national spotlight.
The event is expected to draw almost 12,000 fans to Cazalys Stadium and deliver millions of dollars in economic impact to Tropical North Queensland, with visitors filling hotels, backing local businesses and taking the opportunity to explore the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest and the region’s world-class attractions.
A full program of community events is planned across Cairns in the lead-up, including youth cricket clinics, player signings and fan giveaways.
Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said securing Gold Clash was another example of the Crisafulli Government delivering on its Destination 2045 vision to grow Queensland’s visitor economy through world-class events and experiences.
“Destination 2045 is about building Queensland’s reputation as Australia’s leading tourism destination, and securing major events like Gold Clash demonstrates how we’re delivering that vision in communities across the State,” Minister Powell said.
“We’re focused on attracting new events that give people another reason to choose Queensland, stay longer and spend more in our communities.
“Gold Clash adds another exciting event to Queensland’s calendar and reinforces our reputation as a destination that delivers exceptional experiences both on and off the field.
“By securing events that attract visitors from across Australia and overseas, we’re creating opportunities for tourism operators, supporting jobs and ensuring the benefits of a growing visitor economy are felt right across the State.”
Assistant Minister for Tourism and Member for Barron River Bree James said Gold Clash would deliver benefits far beyond match day for businesses across Cairns and Tropical North Queensland.
“This is about much more than a game of cricket – it’s about bringing thousands of visitors to Cairns and giving them every reason to turn a weekend event into a Tropical North Queensland holiday,” Ms James said.
“People will come for the excitement of Gold Clash, but they’ll stay to experience the Great Barrier Reef, explore the Daintree Rainforest, visit our local attractions and enjoy everything our region has to offer.
“That means more bookings for accommodation providers, more customers through the doors of local cafes, restaurants and retailers, and more support for tourism operators right across the region.
“Events like this help showcase Cairns to a national audience while delivering real economic benefits for local businesses, local jobs and the wider community.”
Mayor of Cairns Amy Eden said the event promised plenty of entertainment, combining legends and some friendly competition.
“Australians love sport, but we also love a bit of friendly rivalry,” Ms Eden said.
“Watching cricket’s biggest names take on NRL and AFL legends is one of those ideas where you immediately think, ‘I’d buy a ticket for that.’
“Bringing the inaugural Gold Clash to Cairns is a real vote of confidence in our city.
“We know how to host major events, and we know how to make visitors want to stay a little longer.
“Let’s be honest, seeing some of Australia’s greatest sporting legends swapping codes is going to be a lot of fun, and maybe even settle the age-old debate about which code comes out on top.”
Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said fans of Australia’s favourite sporting codes would have a great reason to visit Cairns in November.
“This exciting event will inspire corporate groups for end of year rewards and draw viewers from our key markets in Australia, New Zealand and India helping to build interest in Tropical North Queensland as a destination,” Mr Olsen said.
Duco Events promoter David Higgins said Gold Clash would bring an entirely new sporting spectacle to Australian audiences.
“We are so excited to debut this unique brand of sports and entertainment in the Australian market after eight years of sold-out stadiums and record TV audiences in New Zealand,” Mr Higgins said.
“We are sure Australian fans will love the novelty of watching superstars from cricket, NRL and AFL competing head-on in this sporting extravaganza.”
The T20 Gold Clash Cairns 2026 is proudly supported by the Crisafulli Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, delivered through an alliance with Cairns Regional Council and Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
Fans can register now at goldclash.com.au to join the waitlist for early-bird tickets.
Early bird allocations are limited, with the second release going on sale on Thursday, 20 August.
