Shaping the Future: WA Cricket Assists Major Bali Cricket Project

WA Cricket Turf Manager Nathan Saville and High Performance Talent Development Manager Chris Brabazon recently spent two days at the proposed Buleleng development, joining representatives from Persatuan Cricket Indonesia (PCI), the International Cricket Council (ICC) and local stakeholders to assess progress on the ambitious project.

The four-hectare site is planned to feature two turf-wicket grounds alongside a range of high-performance facilities, creating what is expected to become the centrepiece of Indonesian cricket's elite programs and one of the most significant cricket infrastructure developments in the region.

"This project has the potential to be transformational for cricket in Indonesia," Brabazon said.

"When you look at the scale of the vision and the commitment from PCI and their partners, it's clear they're building something that can genuinely change the landscape of the game in the region."

For Indonesian Cricket, the project marks an important step forward. High-performance players are currently based in Bali and primarily train at facilities in Jimbaran, where access to resources and turf surfaces is limited. The vision for Buleleng represents a significant investment in the future of the game, providing an environment capable of supporting player development, high-performance preparation and future international events.

"Access to quality facilities is critical to the development of high-performance athletes," Brabazon said.

"A purpose-built venue with turf wickets, training infrastructure and high-performance support services will create opportunities for Indonesian players that simply haven't existed before."

WA Cricket's contribution has centred on sharing specialist expertise in areas critical to the development of a world-class cricket venue. Saville has provided guidance on turf and clay selection, drainage, irrigation systems and broader facility design considerations, helping ensure the project can deliver the standards required for elite-level cricket.

"We've been fortunate to build Over time we have built world-class cricket facilities in Western Australia and it's rewarding to share some of those learnings with our colleagues in Indonesia," Brabazon said.

"Our role is to provide practical advice and support to help ensure the facility is positioned for long-term success."

The visit also provided an opportunity to meet with PCI Chairman Abhiram Singh Yadav, ICC representatives, local dignitaries and community members as planning continues for a facility that could play an important role in Indonesia's preparations for the ICC World Cup Qualifying Tournament in 2027.

Strengthening a Growing Partnership

The site visit forms part of a broader collaboration between WA Cricket and PCI under the Asian Engagement Through Sport Program, supported by the Western Australian Government through the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport (CITS) and the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Now in its second year, the partnership is focused on supporting the development of coaching, high-performance programs, umpiring pathways, administration and cricket facilities across Indonesia. Recent activities have included workshops involving WA Cricket, PCI and the ICC on future high-performance planning, as well as visits by WA Cricket coaching and umpiring staff to work with Indonesian men's and women's programs.

"This is about much more than infrastructure," Brabazon said.

"The facility is an important piece of the puzzle, but it's being supported by work across coaching, umpiring, player development and high-performance planning. That's what makes the project so exciting."

The partnership builds on strong foundations established in 2025, when a team of WA Cricket high-performance staff visited Indonesia and later hosted the Indonesian Women's team at the WA Cricket High Performance Centre ahead of its ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier campaign.

As the Buleleng project continues to progress, WA Cricket's expertise is helping support Indonesia's long-term vision for the game while further strengthening ties between the two cricket organisations and the broader region.

"We've seen tremendous enthusiasm for cricket throughout in Indonesia and a real commitment to growing the game," Brabazon said.

"To be able to support that journey and help create opportunities for players, coaches and officials is something WA Cricket is very proud to be part of."