Sheffield Shield returns to Optus Stadium in eight-year first

Sheffield Shield cricket is returning to Optus Stadium for the first time since 2018.

Western Australia will host Tasmania in late November, with the match taking place just over two weeks before Australia takes on New Zealand in the first Test at the venue.

The fixture is part of a home-heavy start to the season, with WA playing two Sheffield Shield matches and four One-Day Cup games in Perth before travelling interstate.

It also marks the start of a new era for WA Cricket, with Beau Casson beginning his first full season as head coach and Aaron Hardie leading the side in the Sheffield Shield for the first time.

Casson is excited to get the season underway on home soil.

"We're really looking forward to starting the new season at the WACA and making it our fortress," he said.

"Starting the season with so many home games is a great chance for us to build some momentum and have our fans right behind us."

WA Cricket General Manager – High Performance Cricket and Elite Teams Kade Harvey said the return to Optus Stadium was a big boost for the team and supporters.

"It's great to have a Sheffield Shield match back at Optus Stadium," Harvey said.

"It gives our players, coaches and staff valuable time at the venue before the West Test and the Big Bash later in the summer. It's also a fantastic chance for fans to watch first-class cricket at one of the country's best stadiums."

2025-26 SHEFFIELD SHIELD

• Thursday 8 – Sunday 11 October WA v Queensland (WACA Ground)
• Monday 19 – Thursday 22 October WA v NSW (WACA Ground)
• Wednesday 28 – Saturday 31 October SA v WA (Adelaide Oval)
• Wednesday 11 – Saturday 14 November Victoria v WA (MCG)
• Monday 23 – Thursday 26 November WA v Tasmania (Optus Stadium)
• Thursday 3 – Sunday 6 December NSW v WA (SCG)