History of the Imparja Cup
The first Imparja match was held on Australia Day in 1994 following discussions with Indigenous cricketers Shane and Mervyn Franey from Alice Springs and Ross Williams from Tennant Creek regarding the desire to host an annual cricket match between Alice Springs and Tennant Creek. The purpose of the event was to promote Indigenous cricket in the Northern Territory and to enjoy a cricket match with family and friends.
In 1998, Shane Franey and Ross Williams approached Northern Territory (NT) Cricket to seek assistance in organising the logistics of the game. Subsequent to these discussions, NT Cricket commenced their support of the competition and shortly thereafter Cricket Australia also provided assistance to the Imparja Cup; officially recognising the event as a national competition.
Over the last five years the competition has grown significantly from a five team competition in 2001 to a 28 team, five-division competition in 2004.
Imparja Television has supported the carnival since its inception. The extent of their support has grown significantly over the years from a $200 petrol voucher and meat tray to a three-year $42 000 corporate partnership. The largest ever sponsorship for Indigenous Cricket.
In 2000, Bruce Walker and Ralph Wiese attended a Cricket Australia (then Australian Cricket Board) Game Development meeting where the issue of developing Indigenous cricket was high on the agenda.
NT Cricket put their hand up to develop a competition.
2001 was a milestone year for the Imparja Cup whereby the first interstate team traveled to Alice Springs to compete in the Imparja Cup. Teams competing included Alice Springs, Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Tasmania.
In 2002 the competition expanded to 12 teams and in 2003 to 17 teams with 2 divisions.
The largest cup to date was in 2004 where there were 28 teams in 5 divisions:
- State Territory
- Major Centres
- Community
- Women's
- Youth
The first official Imparja Cup launch was also held in November 2004.
Since its establishment, the competition has steadily improved in terms of the standard of play. States and Territories are now sending younger squads with a competitive focus and desire to win the event.
The Queensland Cricket Imparja Cup team has certainly lead the way, winning the Cup for three consecutive years from 2004-2006.
All State and Territory teams compete annually in Alice Springs which is the home of the Imparja Cup and this has allowed NT Cricket to promote and develop cricket amongst regional and remote indigenous communities. Women's cricket has flourished through the Imparja Cup also.
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