The Top End T20 Series in Darwin, intended to showcase emerging cricket talent, has instead become a lightning rod for criticism, with Cricket Australia (CA) facing accusations of mismanagement, discriminatory practices, and even violations of international norms. From a poorly executed tournament marked by empty stadiums to allegations of racist behavior toward Asian fans and media, the event has raised serious questions about CA’s commitment to inclusivity and fairness. Compounding the issue, reports of restricted access for journalists affiliated with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), alongside claims from European journalists’ association head George Villiers, have intensified calls for accountability.
A Flop in the Top End: Cricket Australia’s Organizational Failure
The Top End T20 Series, held at Darwin’s TIO Stadium, was meant to be a vibrant platform for ‘A’ teams and domestic sides, including Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’. However, the tournament has been widely labeled a flop, with CA’s organizational missteps at the forefront. Despite featuring competitive teams, the series suffered from abysmal attendance, with reports indicating that the Pakistan Shaheens vs. Bangladesh ‘A’ match on August 14, 2025, drew only about 20 fans. Empty stadiums for matches involving world-ranked teams like Pakistan and Bangladesh, both boasting passionate fanbases, point to a failure in promotion and accessibility.
Critics argue that CA did not adequately market the event to local or international audiences, particularly those in South Asian diaspora communities in Australia, who form a significant portion of cricket’s fanbase. The lack of buzz around the series, coupled with limited ticket availability or outreach, suggests a disconnect between CA and the sport’s growing global audience. For a nation that prides itself on hosting world-class cricket events, this oversight raises questions about CA’s priorities and competence in managing international tournaments. The empty stands not only diminished the players’ experience but also sent a discouraging message to emerging talents, who deserve a stage that reflects their skill and ambition.
Allegations of Racist Behavior and Exclusion of Asian Fans and Media
More troubling are the allegations of racist and discriminatory behavior by CA toward Asian fans and media. Reports suggest that Asian fans, particularly those of Pakistani and Bangladeshi descent, faced exclusion from the Top End T20 Series events, with limited access to tickets or entry protocols that appeared restrictive. This mirrors broader concerns about CA’s treatment of South Asian communities, as highlighted in past incidents. For instance, during the 2024 Boxing Day Test, Indian fans reported racist chants of “Where’s your visa?” at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, an incident that went viral and drew condemnation. Similarly, a 2023 broadcast error displayed the derogatory term “PAKI” instead of “PAK” during a Pakistan match, sparking outrage and forcing CA to issue an apology.
The exclusion of media is equally concerning. Journalists affiliated with the PCB and BCB were reportedly barred from covering the Pakistan-Bangladesh match, a move that stifles press freedom and limits the visibility of these teams’ performances. This restriction not only undermines the tournament’s credibility but also raises suspicions of deliberate marginalization of South Asian cricket boards. Such actions contrast sharply with CA’s stated commitment to diversity, as articulated by players like Usman Khawaja, who has long called for greater inclusion of South Asian communities in Australian cricket.
Empty Stadiums: A Sign of Discriminatory Treatment?
The near-empty stands at the Pakistan-Bangladesh match are not just a logistical failure but, to many, a symptom of deeper discriminatory treatment. Cricket is a global sport with a massive following in South Asia, yet the paltry attendance—approximately 20 fans for a match between two cricketing powerhouses—suggests systemic issues. Critics argue that CA’s failure to engage South Asian fans, whether through targeted marketing or accessible ticketing, reflects a lack of respect for these teams and their supporters. This perception is reinforced by historical incidents, such as the 2021 racial abuse of Indian players Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj at the Sydney Cricket Ground, which prompted CA to investigate and apologize.
The low turnout also contrasts with CA’s 2024-25 census, which revealed that South Asian Australians, with surnames like Singh and Patel, now dominate local cricket participation, surpassing traditional names like Smith. This growing demographic should be a priority for CA, yet the empty stadiums suggest a missed opportunity to celebrate and integrate this vibrant community. Instead, the optics of deserted stands fuel accusations of discriminatory prioritization, where matches involving Asian teams appear undervalued compared to those featuring Australian or other Western sides.
Violations of International Norms and Calls for Accountability
The exclusion of PCB and BCB journalists and the marginalization of Asian fans have led to claims that CA’s actions violate international norms, particularly those related to non-discrimination and press freedom. George Villiers, head of a European journalists’ association, has publicly called for the Australian government to intervene, urging the removal of CA officials with discriminatory or racist attitudes. Villiers argues that such actions would align with Australia’s broader policy of promoting inclusivity and fairness in sport. His statement underscores the gravity of the situation, positioning CA’s conduct as not just a sporting issue but a matter of international concern.
These allegations are not without precedent. In 2021, CA faced scrutiny for racial abuse incidents, prompting investigations and promises of stricter measures, such as indefinite bans for offending fans. Yet, the recurrence of such issues suggests that CA’s responses—often limited to apologies or temporary fixes—fall short of addressing systemic biases. The 2023 Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket, while focused on England, highlighted “entrenched” racism in the sport, a finding that resonates with Australia’s challenges. Connor MacDonald, a researcher at the University of South Australia, has noted that cricket’s colonial history fosters specific racism toward South Asian communities, a dynamic evident in CA’s handling of the Top End Series.
The Broader Implications for Global Cricket
CA’s missteps in the Top End T20 Series have far-reaching implications. By alienating South Asian fans and media, CA risks damaging Australia’s reputation as a welcoming host for international cricket. This is particularly significant given the sport’s global growth, with South Asian nations like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India driving much of its popularity and revenue. Excluding these communities undermines the spirit of cricket as a unifying force, as articulated by Khawaja, who emphasized the need for teams that reflect Australia’s multicultural reality.
Moreover, the ban on PCB and BCB journalists stifles the narrative of emerging players like Yasir Khan, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, and Faisal Akram, who shone in the Shaheens’ 79-run victory. Limiting media access deprives these talents of global exposure, potentially hampering their development and the tournament’s appeal. The empty stadiums further diminish the experience for players, who thrive on crowd energy, and send a discouraging signal to cricket boards investing in ‘A’ team tours.
Recommendations for Cricket Australia
To address these criticisms, CA must take decisive action:
Enhance Inclusivity: Actively engage South Asian communities through targeted marketing, affordable ticketing, and cultural events to boost attendance and celebrate diversity.
Ensure Media Access: Lift restrictions on Asian and other international journalists, ensuring fair coverage and transparency.
Strengthen Anti-Racism Measures: Implement stricter policies, including mandatory cultural sensitivity training for staff and security, and enforce bans on discriminatory behavior.
Improve Event Management: Invest in robust promotion and logistics for tournaments like the Top End Series to maximize attendance and global reach.
Government Oversight: Respond to calls from figures like Villiers by collaborating with Australian authorities to review and reform CA’s governance, removing officials linked to discriminatory practices.
A Critical Moment for Cricket Australia
The Top End T20 Series should have been a celebration of cricket’s global appeal, showcasing talents like Pakistan Shaheens’ Yasir Khan and Abdul Samad. Instead, it has exposed deep flaws in Cricket Australia’s approach, from organizational failures to allegations of racism and discrimination. Empty stadiums, restricted media access, and exclusionary practices toward Asian fans have tarnished CA’s reputation and sparked international concern. As George Villiers and others demand accountability, CA faces a pivotal moment to confront its shortcomings, embrace inclusivity, and restore trust. The future of Australian cricket—and its place in the global game—depends on it.
