Cricket ACT is proud to announce a new premier Under 16 competition, titled the Brad Haddin Shield, designed to strengthen the development pathway for emerging cricketers across the Australian Capital Territory.
The competition is being developed as a high-quality, structured playing environment for the ACT’s leading U16 players, aligning club cricket, representative pathways and long-term athlete development into a single, cohesive model.
The Brad Haddin Shield will serve as the primary match-play platform for high-potential U16 male athletes, providing consistent, like-for-like competition and creating clearer opportunities to progress through the ACT pathway toward Underage National Championships selection frames, whilst also providing stronger alignment, connection and transition to Premier Cricket clubs.
The competition will also create opportunities for Cricket ACT’s leading U19 female athletes to participate in a stronger development environment, while reserving two positions for regional based players currently competing outside Cricket ACT competition structures.
Cricket ACT Head of Community Cricket, Adrian Brunker, said the concept represents a significant step forward for cricket in the Territory.
“The U16 stage is a critical transition point in our player’s journey. This competition is about providing clarity, quality and consistency for our most promising players, while ensuring we are managing their development in a more structured and sustainable way,” Brunker said.
“The intent is to create an environment where the strongest players compete regularly against one another, allowing for better development outcomes and more informed talent identification across the pathway.”
Central to the proposal is the intention to name the competition in honour of Brad Haddin, one of the ACT’s most accomplished cricketers and current NSW Blues Head Coach.
Born in Cowra, New South Wales and raised within the Canberra cricket system, Haddin’s journey began playing junior and grade cricket with Queanbeyan before making his mark with ANU and the ACT Comets, ultimately leading to an outstanding international career with Australia.
Haddin represented Australia across all formats from 2001 to 2015, playing 66 Test matches and scoring more than 3,000 runs, while also playing a key role in Australia’s ICC Cricket World Cup victories in 2007 and 2015.
A former Australian vice-captain and respected leader, Haddin was widely recognised for his toughness, resilience and ability to perform in critical moments, particularly during Australia’s Ashes campaigns.
Beyond his international career, Haddin’s connection to ACT cricket remains a defining part of his story. Having developed through the ACT system, he has long been regarded as a role model for aspiring cricketers across the region, demonstrating what can be achieved through dedication, work ethic and strong local foundations.
More recently recognised as an inductee into the ACT Sport Hall of Fame and the Cricket ACT Hall of Fame, Haddin’s contribution to the sport both locally and nationally continues to leave a lasting impact.
“To have a competition named after you in the place where your cricket journey began is incredibly humbling. The ACT system played a huge role in shaping my career, and I know how important it is to have strong, competitive opportunities at a young age.
“It is a fantastic initiative that will challenge players, bring the best talent together, and help prepare them for the next level. I’m proud to be associated with something that will have a lasting impact on the next generation of cricketers in Canberra” Haddin said.
The Brad Haddin Shield will feature all 8 Premier Cricket clubs, with a mixed-format structure designed to develop adaptable, well-rounded players.
A combination of 50 over and T20 matches will be played in scheduled blocks, including school holiday periods, to minimise disruption to club competitions while ensuring high-quality participation and workload management for players. Cricket ACT will provide further updates on the competition structure, timing and formats ahead of implementation.