What cricket programs and ways to play are offered on Play Cricket?

Play Cricket (play.cricket.com.au) is Cricket Australia's participation hub, and it organizes ways to get involved by age and format. The site's Featured Programs list three main playing pathways — Woolworths Cricket Blast for ages 5–10, Smash Series Cricket for ages 9+, and Senior Club Cricket for ages 16+ — alongside non-playing roles such as Coach, Umpire, Schools, and Clubs. The right choice depends mainly on the participant's age, experience, and whether they want a casual or competitive setting.

The three featured playing programs

Woolworths Cricket Blast (ages 5–10)

Aimed at younger children, this program teaches cricket skills through fun, game-based activities while introducing teamwork. According to the site, the goal is an inclusive environment where players "participate and progress based on their ability level," so children of different skill levels can take part together. It suits families looking for a first, low-pressure introduction to the sport.

Smash Series Cricket (ages 9+)

Described as a "social, fast, simplified format born from the backyard," Smash Series condenses cricket into about one hour. It is positioned for people who are new to cricket or returning to the game and want a fun, less formal way to play. The short format makes it a reasonable fit if time commitment or competitiveness is a concern.

Senior Club Cricket (ages 16+)

This is the traditional club pathway, played for fun or competitively at a local cricket club. The site notes that varying grades and formats are available depending on experience and interest, so both newcomers and experienced players can find a suitable level. It suits people 16 and older who want a regular, club-based commitment.

Ways to be part of cricket beyond playing

The site emphasizes that there are "many ways to be part of the cricket community on and off the field." Beyond playing, the listed pathways are:

• Coach — guide players and teams
• Umpire — officiate matches
• Schools — cricket through school programs
• Clubs — connect with a local club as a member or supporter

This matters if you want to stay involved but aren't looking to play, or want to combine playing with another role.

How to choose and get started

1. Match by age first. The programs are explicitly age-banded (5–10, 9+, 16+), so start there.
2. Then match by commitment and competitiveness. Blast is introductory, Smash Series is a one-hour social format, and Senior Club Cricket offers graded competition.
3. Find a local option. Each program page includes a "Find your local centre" or "Find a Club" path, which is how you locate a nearby provider and sign up.

If you're unsure, the site's framing — "Your Cricket, Your Way" and "the sport with something for everyone" — reflects that the pathways are designed to be chosen by personal fit rather than a single entry route.