Coffs loses middle peg, as Sydney Sixers ditch the coast

The headline in the press release from City of Coffs Harbour - “Thank you, Sydney Sixers, for bringing the love to Coffs Harbour” - gave local fans of 20-over cricket a glimmer of hope, but it was short-lived.

Despite the Sixers describing Coffs as the club’s “heartland”, the organisation has chosen not to play a Big Bash League match in Coffs Harbour in the 2026/27 season. 

Significant loss: Nationals leader and Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh described losing any major event as “a big loss” and said it was possible money was a contributing factor.

“It brought a tremendous amount of prestige to the city and to the stadium. Putting Coffs Harbour on the map can't be underestimated,” Singh told the Mid North Coaster.

The C.ex Coffs International Stadium has hosted the Sixers for T20 matches for the past five summers. The venue’s capacity is about 10,000, and many were sold out. The Sixers first played in Coffs Harbour in 2020.

Contract up: Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes said the change is due to “scheduling considerations and the completion of our existing agreement”. 

The club remains “open to playing future matches in the region”.

City of Coffs Harbour mayor Nikki Williams told the Mid North Coaster the decision was “anticipated” as the five-year deal had expired.

Bring it back: Cricket fan and photographer David Wigley said the cut fixture will leave a “big hole in our family’s sports calendar”.

• “Hopefully it’s just this year and they will be back. It’s become a summer holiday ritual. We have so many memories, including when Steve Smith smashed 101 runs from 56 balls,” Wigley told the Mid North Coaster. 

Continued engagement: The Sixers will maintain staff in the region and continue to offer coaching clinics, competitions and events for fans.

Image credit: David Wigley.