Over 300 Young Cricketers Join University of Canberra Cricket Challenge as India Australia Pathways Expand

Professor The Honourable Bill Shorten, Vice Chancellor and President of University of Canberra, and Mr Anthony Ilott, CEO of Cricket ACT, say the Bengaluru tournament connects sporting development with education opportunities for young players

More than 300 young cricketers and support staff took part in the third University of Canberra Cricket Challenge in India, bringing school level competition together with opportunities for students to explore higher education and sporting pathways.
Held from August 30 to September 4, 2026, at Jain International Residential School in Bengaluru, the weeklong tournament brought together 24 Under 16 school teams from different parts of India. The third edition also moved to a T20 format.
The competition featured 16 boys’ teams and eight girls’ teams, providing young players with opportunities to compete and develop their cricket skills. Participating schools came from Bengaluru as well as Ajmer, Kolar, Coimbatore and Indore.
More than 30,000 viewers were estimated to have watched the matches online through live streaming, extending the tournament beyond the participating schools.

The University of Canberra delivered the tournament in partnership with Cricket ACT, the governing body for cricket in the Australian Capital Territory. Their strategic partnership was established in 2024 and covers youth sport development, talent pathways and international engagement, alongside education and cultural connections between Australia and India.
Professor The Honourable Bill Shorten, Vice Chancellor and President of University of Canberra, said, “The tournament reflects UC’s commitment to creating opportunities where young people can develop their sporting ambitions alongside their education. It provides further opportunities to strengthen our relationships with schools, communities and partners, and students are able to see how sport and education can open doors to a global future.”

Cricket was accompanied by coaching masterclasses, talent development activities and information sessions hosted by the University of Canberra. The sessions gave participating students information about higher education opportunities in Australia.
The University of Canberra also presented its study and play approach, through which aspiring student athletes can continue developing their sporting ambitions while pursuing a qualification in Canberra.
Mr Anthony Ilott, CEO of Cricket ACT, said, “The UC Cricket Challenge demonstrates how cricket can bring communities together while creating opportunities for young people to develop both on and off the field. Cricket ACT is proud to support the University of Canberra in building stronger connections between India and Australia through sport, education and shared opportunities.”

The next stage of the UC Cup is scheduled to take place in Canberra from September 30 to October 2, 2026. Indian teams will have an opportunity to compete against Australian teams and experience Canberra’s sport and education ecosystem.
The UC Cricket Challenge forms part of the University of Canberra’s wider engagement with India, which also includes academic scholarships, Work Integrated Learning opportunities and coach development programs.

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