All About The Ashes - FULL ARTICLE

Excerpt from Sumpton’s Gold Rush Gazette - Friday 16th of January 2026

Committee Member Jeffrey Bailey, Treasurer Kerri Forno, and Committee Member Chris Gough at the Goldfield Sporting Complex

The Goldfield Ashes will return to Charters Towers from January 16, with record nominations confirmed ahead of the 2026 cricket carnival.

The long-running tournament draws teams from across Australia and has become a defining fixture of the town’s summer calendar.

Charters Towers Cricket Association treasurer and an event organiser Kerri Forno said the high nomination numbers indicate a particularly strong year for the event.

“We have had record numbers this year with 307 nominations,” she said.

“However 2 teams have now withdrawn so at this stage there will be 305 teams participating.

“Competitors can look forward to a fun weekend, catching up with mates, sharing what they have done for the last 12 months.

“Hopefully the weather will hold off and we can have all games played during the weekend.”

Ms Forno said the high level of interest, combined with recent heavy rainfall, has required adjustments to the competition.

“I know there has been a lot of talk (both positive & negative) on social media regarding the fact that the Committee had to make the decision to make the B2 competition this year a T20 competition rather than 35 overs per side,” she said.

“The Committee had to make this difficult decision due to the large number of teams this year and also due to the weather.

“There is the possibility that not all fields will be able to be used for the weekend.”

The 2026 Goldfield Ashes is shaping up to be one of the strongest and busiest editions of the tournament to date.

Ms Forno sincerely expressed gratitude to the local community for their contributions to the popular event.

“Thank you for making the visitors to our town feel welcome,” she said.

“Thank you to the businesses who show support for the event.”