State cricket squads for the 2025-26 season have now been mostly confirmed, with all men’s squads finalised and women’s squads expected by month’s end. Here, we cover the updates and movements crucial to next summer’s line-ups.
New South Wales
In New South Wales, several changes have been noted. Daniel Hughes has been released following an injury-affected period, but he remains a potential candidate for one-day matches and could re-enter the red-ball format through strong performances in grade cricket. Meanwhile, Moises Henriques, who has retired from first-class cricket, no longer holds a contract but may still feature in limited-overs formats.
Budget constraints were felt after Sean Abbott was removed from the central contracts list. Charlie Stobo, previously with Western Australia, has been brought in to bolster the pace attack following Jackson Bird’s departure to Tasmania. Promotions have been granted to Joel Davies, Lachlan Shaw, and Will Salzmann from the rookie list, while all-rounders Chris Green and Hayden Kerr were not renewed.
Key squad members include Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Steven Smith, and Mitchell Starc, who retain their Cricket Australia (CA) contracts.
Arrivals: Charlie Stobo (from WA), Riley Kingsell, Jake Scott
Departures: Jackson Bird (to Tasmania), Chris Green, Ryan Hackney, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr.
Queensland
Queensland’s squad remains relatively stable. Usman Khawaja continues with the team despite tensions regarding his availability for the Sheffield Shield, potentially marking 2025-26 as his final year in first-class cricket. Youngsters Tom Whitney and Tom Straker have been promoted, adding depth to the squad, while Bryce Street has been omitted.
Crucial figures such as Marnu Labuschagne and Michael Neser feature prominently in the team’s plans. Only minor adjustments reflect the squad’s confidence in its current composition.
Arrivals: Tom Balkin
Departures: Liam Guthrie, Bryce Street, Connor Sully
South Australia
The reigning Sheffield Shield champions, South Australia, have made minimal alterations. Their strategy leans on stability, with only two new names added to the roster. Hanno Jacobs returns to South Australia, leaving New South Wales, while rookie Douwtjie Hoogenboezem arrives from Western Australia after notable Second XI performances.
Head Coach Ryan Harris expressed enthusiasm for Jacobs’ return: “We are thrilled to welcome Hanno back to South Australia. He has proven his potential in first-class cricket for NSW and showcased his all-round capabilities at this level.”
Changes in South Australia’s lineup are few, reflecting confidence in their championship-winning squad.
Arrivals: Hanno Jacobs (from NSW), Douwtjie Hoogenboezem (from WA)
Departures: Harry Conway, Kyle Brazell
These updates mark the evolving dynamics of Australian state cricket and set the stage for what promises to be an engaging season ahead. With key players secure in their roles and young talent rising, the anticipation builds towards next summer’s competition.
