The race to host the T20 World Cup 2028 final has already begun, and it’s shaping up to be an interesting contest. Two of Australia’s most iconic cricket venues Adelaide Oval and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) are expected to go head-to-head for the right to stage the tournament’s biggest match.
While Melbourne has historically been the go-to venue for major cricket finals, South Australia is preparing a serious push to bring the showpiece event to Adelaide.
MCG’s long history of hosting World Cup finals
The MCG has traditionally been cricket’s biggest stage in Australia. It hosted the finals of the 1992 and 2015 ODI World Cups as well as the 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup.
The iconic venue has also staged major women’s cricket finals, including the 1988 World Cup final and the 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup final, which drew a record crowd.
Because of its massive capacity and historic reputation, the MCG has long been considered the natural choice for marquee matches but that dominance is now being challenged.
Adelaide Oval preparing a major bid
South Australia’s sporting authorities are reportedly preparing a multi-million dollar bid to host the 2028 T20 World Cup final.
Officials from the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA), Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority and the state government are believed to be involved in confidential discussions.
Since its major redevelopment in 2013, Adelaide Oval has grown into one of the world’s premier cricket venues.
The stadium hosted a quarter-final in the 2015 ODI World Cup and a semi-final during the 2022 T20 World Cup. Now, the ambition is much bigger, hosting the final itself.
Weather could be Adelaide’s biggest advantage
One of the key points expected in South Australia’s bid is Adelaide’s climate in November. The 2022 T20 World Cup saw several rain-affected matches in Melbourne, including a crucial game between Australia and England at the MCG that was washed out.
That result played a major role in Australia’s early elimination from the tournament. Adelaide, on the other hand, generally enjoys more stable weather conditions during that time of year, something organisers will certainly consider when choosing the venue for the final.
Adelaide’s Growing Sporting Ambitions
South Australia has recently shown that it’s willing to challenge traditional sporting strongholds. In 2023, the state government and SACA even pushed for a share of Australia’s traditional New Year’s Test match, which has long been played at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
While Sydney retained that fixture, Adelaide was awarded a “Christmas Test” slot before the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne for five years.
The push to host major events doesn’t stop there.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas recently succeeded in bringing the MotoGP race from Phillip Island to Adelaide, further highlighting the state’s ambition to attract global sporting events.
Adelaide Oval’s Recent Success Strengthens Its Case
Adelaide Oval’s credentials have also been boosted by recent cricket matches. During the latest Ashes series, the Adelaide Test turned out to be the most profitable match of the five-game series.
It featured a well-prepared pitch and a competitive contest that went into day five, giving fans a full Test match experience.
By contrast, the Melbourne Test ended in just two days due to an underperforming pitch — an outcome that reportedly cost Cricket Australia millions in lost revenue.
Limited Venues Expected For 2028 Tournament
The 2028 T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, and organisers are planning a relatively compact list of venues.
World Cup chief executive Joel Morrison has indicated that only five Australian stadiums are likely to be used for the tournament that makes the competition for hosting rights even more intense.
Along with Adelaide Oval and the MCG, other strong contenders include Optus Stadium in Perth, while new stadium projects in Brisbane and Hobart could also come into the picture.
Big Financial Stakes For Cricket Australia
Hosting a World Cup has proven to be a major financial boost for Cricket Australia. The governing body earned around $50 million from the 2015 ODI World Cup and approximately $42 million from the 2022 T20 World Cup.
With Cricket Australia currently exploring new revenue streams, including potential investments in Big Bash League franchises, the success of the 2028 tournament will be crucial.
A Venue Battle Worth Watching
For decades, the MCG has been Australia’s default venue for major cricket finals but Adelaide Oval’s modern facilities, strong crowds and recent success have made it a serious contender. The final decision is still years away.
Yet the battle between Adelaide and Melbourne to host the 2028 T20 World Cup final is already underway and it promises to be as competitive off the field as the cricket will be on it.
