Western Australia and Queensland Win 2025 Titles | National Indigenous Cricket Championships

National Indigenous Cricket Championships 2025: Western Australia and Queensland Shine Bright in Historic Wins

Western Australia and Queensland have etched their names in history with emphatic victories in the 2025 National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC), hosted on the culturally rich Yuwibara Country in Mackay. The week-long tournament, a celebration of cricket, culture, and community, culminated in a landmark moment as Western Australia claimed their first women's title, while Queensland ended a 12-year drought to lift the men’s trophy.

With a blend of emerging young stars, seasoned performers, and a deep sense of pride in Indigenous heritage, this year’s edition of the NICC was not just about wins and losses it was about empowerment, visibility, and representation.

Mikayla Hinkley Powers Western Australia to Maiden Women’s Title

The women’s final was nothing short of inspiring. In a commanding performance, Western Australia defeated Queensland by 72 runs, showcasing dominant cricket driven by an equally dominant performance from proud Kunja woman Mikayla Hinkley.

Hinkley, a familiar name in the Australian domestic circuit and a strong advocate for Indigenous representation, stole the show with an electrifying knock of 71 off 44 deliveries. Her partnership with 16-year-old Charlotte Toohey, worth 118 runs off just 76 balls, turned the match into a one-sided affair. Toohey, despite her youth, showed composure beyond her years, proving that the future of Indigenous women’s cricket is in safe hands.

By the end of the tournament, Hinkley had racked up 161 runs at an average of 32, earning her a hat-trick of accolades: Player of the Final, Most Runs, and a spot in the Women’s Team of the Tournament, which she also captains. It was a statement tournament for her not just as a batter, but as a leader on and off the field.

Queensland Claim Men’s Championship After 12-Year Wait

In the men's division, Queensland ended a 12-year title drought with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over New South Wales in the final. Leading from the front was Dylan McLachlan, a proud Kamilaroi man, who remained unbeaten on 73 and carried his side to victory with confidence and grace.

McLachlan’s match-winning innings reflected more than just technical skill. It highlighted a player who had waited for his moment and delivered under pressure. Unsurprisingly, he was named Player of the Final, earned selection in the Men’s Team of the Tournament, and was a pivotal figure throughout Queensland's campaign.

For Queensland Cricket, this triumph represents a return to form in the NICC after years of rebuilding and investment into Indigenous cricket development. The win also reinforces the strength of pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent when backed with purpose and consistency.

More Than Cricket: A Celebration of Culture and Community

While the results are important, what sets the National Indigenous Cricket Championships apart is its deeper impact. The tournament, held annually, acts as both a performance platform and a cultural anchor for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players across Australia.

Megan Barnett-Smith, Cricket Australia’s Head of Social Impact and Sustainability, perfectly captured the spirit of the event, stating, “This week we have witnessed a celebration of cricket, culture, and community on Yuwibara Country.”

For the first time, the Championships were broadcast live across the country through National Indigenous Television (NITV), expanding its reach and visibility. Backed by the Melbourne Cricket Club Foundation, the official Inclusion Partner of the NICC, the 2025 edition delivered both high-quality cricket and a powerful cultural statement.

New Faces, Bright Futures: Emerging Talent Shines in Mackay

Beyond the trophies and accolades, the NICC remains a critical touchpoint for scouting future stars. The performances of young talents like Charlotte Toohey, who impressed in a pressure final, and Eli Sheean, who bagged the most wickets in the men’s division, underline the depth of talent waiting to be nurtured at the national level.

Christina Coulson and Brock Larence were named Players of the Series in their respective divisions, further validating the strong performance base across multiple states. From standout batting to sharp fielding best exemplified by Lucy Neumann and Brayden Devries, winners of the fielding awards the 2025 edition was rich with skill and spirited competition.

Spirit of Cricket Lives On

Victoria and Northern Territory were honored with the Spirit of Cricket Award in the women’s and men’s categories respectively an affirmation of sportsmanship, cultural respect, and unity. These awards continue to be a vital part of the NICC ethos, reminding everyone involved that this tournament is about more than just winning.

What’s Next: PacificAus Sports Cricket Invitational in June 2025

The NICC also plays a vital role in shaping future national representation. Cricket Australia is set to announce the Australian Indigenous Women’s Team for the PacificAus Sports’ Cricket Invitational scheduled for June 2025. For many young women, especially those like Toohey, this could be their first taste of international representation offering a global stage to continue their cricketing growth and proudly represent Indigenous Australia.

A Growing Movement in Australian Cricket

The National Indigenous Cricket Championships continues to evolve, and this year, it felt more significant than ever. With enhanced visibility, stronger performances, and a deepening pool of talent, the NICC is now more than just a tournament it’s a movement.

The growth of Indigenous cricket isn’t only about representation it’s about opportunity, inclusion, and rewriting narratives in a sport that’s still learning to diversify. Western Australia and Queensland may have taken home the trophies, but every player who stepped onto the field in Mackay added something far more valuable to the game’s future.