The Brisbane Cricket Ground, more commonly known as The Gabba, is set to be demolished as part of the Queensland government’s plans for the 2032 Olympics. The highlight of this seven-year development plan is the construction of a new 63,000-seat stadium, which will serve as the Olympic Stadium during the Games, at a projected cost of AUD 3.8 billion.
While The Gabba will continue to host cricket matches after the new stadium is operational, this will only be the case “until post-2032,” after which it will be demolished, marking the end of an era for one of the most iconic venues in international cricket.
The Gabba has been particularly renowned for its Test cricket matches, with the Australian men’s team turning it into a fortress over the years. Indian cricket fans will forever associate the venue with one of their greatest Test triumphs in 2021. In a historic victory, an injury-depleted Indian side, led by Ajinkya Rahane, broke Australia’s unbeaten streak at the Gabba, a run that had lasted more than 30 years, and secured a second consecutive series win.
Cricket Australia had already scheduled matches at The Gabba only until the 2025-26 season, due to uncertainty regarding the ground’s future. “This decision provides us with certainty about venues and scheduling, ensuring that Brisbane continues to host the best possible international and domestic cricket,” CA said in a statement.
Since its opening in 1931, The Gabba has hosted 67 men’s Tests and two women’s Tests. Known for its lively pitch that offers sharp bounce and pace, The Gabba, often referred to as the ‘Gabbatoir,’ became one of Australia’s most dominant venues, with the hosts remaining unbeaten there from 1988 to 2021, with most of these matches being the first Test of the Australian summer.
