What is Play Cricket (play.cricket.com.au)?

Updated

Play Cricket is Cricket Australia's official participation platform for connecting with local cricket communities across Australia. It's the entry point for anyone—from kids to adults—who wants to find a club, join a program, or get involved in cricket on or off the field. The site itself is an information and signposting hub: it helps you explore ways to play and points you to local clubs and centres, but the actual activities, schedules, and registration details are run by those local organisations.

Who runs it and who it's for

Play Cricket is operated by Cricket Australia, the national governing body for the sport. The platform is designed around the idea of "Your Cricket, Your Way"—the sport with something for everyone. It serves a wide audience:

  • Children as young as 5, through introductory programs
  • Teenagers and adults looking for social or competitive play
  • Coaches, umpires, and volunteers who want to be part of the game off the field
  • Schools and clubs seeking to connect with the cricket community

Ways to get involved

The site organises participation into several pathways. Beyond playing, you can explore roles as a coach, umpire, or through schools and clubs. This reflects the broader message that there are many ways to be part of the cricket community, not just as a player.

Featured programs

The platform highlights structured programs for different age groups:

Program Ages Format
Woolworths Cricket Blast 5–10 Fun, game-based activities teaching cricket skills and teamwork in an inclusive environment
Smash Series Cricket 9+ Social, fast, simplified one-hour format for newcomers or those returning to the game
Senior Club Cricket 16+ Play for fun or competitively at a local club, with varying grades and formats

Each program links to a "Find your local centre" tool, which is how you locate the nearest participating venue.

What you can actually do on the site

The core actions available are:

  1. Find a club — locate local cricket clubs in your area
  2. Explore ways to play — browse programs by age and format
  3. Learn about coaching, umpiring, and school pathways — for those wanting to contribute beyond playing
  4. Find your local centre — for specific programs like Cricket Blast and Smash Series

What to keep in mind

Play Cricket is a gateway, not the destination. The site tells you what's available and helps you find your nearest option, but the specifics—exact dates, fees, registration steps, and season details—are handled by your local club or centre. If you're ready to start, the practical next step is to use the "Find your local centre" or "Find a Club" tools and then contact that local organisation directly for current information.