Perth Scorchers' annual Aboriginal matches have a new name. The Kaarla Boodjar Matches, Nyoongar for "Fire Country", will be played against Adelaide Strikers in the Weber WBBL|12 at the WACA Ground on Saturday 14 November, and against Brisbane Heat in the KFC BBL|16 at Optus Stadium on Monday 4 January 2027.
Scorchers to celebrate culture at first Kaarla Boodjar Matches
The new name was developed in consultation with the WA Aboriginal Cricket and Cultural Advisory Committee (WAACCAC). It brings together the Scorchers' fiery identity and the Whadjuk Noongar boodjar (Country) the Club calls home. Fire Country is at the core of who the Scorchers are.
The WBBL match will carry extra meaning, with Perth Scorchers and Adelaide Strikers also playing for the Faith Thomas Cup. The Cup honours Faith Thomas, the first Aboriginal woman to play Test cricket for Australia.
The match will also be a highlight of the Kambarang Cricket Carnival. More than 110 Aboriginal children from across WA will travel to Boorloo (Perth) for the annual carnival, which combines cricket with cultural activities.
Kambarang is the Nyoongar season of birth, when wildflowers bloom and the days grow warmer. It is a fitting time for the carnival to bring young people together from all corners of the state.
Before the first ball of Saturday’s WBBL match at the WACA Ground, carnival participants will join players, team staff, match officials and Perth Scorchers staff for Australian cricket's biggest barefoot circle – a moment to connect with Country and acknowledge its Traditional Owners.
Both Scorchers teams will wear their Aboriginal playing shirt, Dandjoo Derbarl Bilya, designed by Noongar artist Joshua James with Scorchers players. The design tells a story of connection, belonging and pride, from the Derbarl Bilya (Swan River) to the Scorchers' two home grounds.
Nyoongar language and Aboriginal art will feature across both match days, from the big screen and in-bowl LED signage to the broadcast and the Scorchers' digital channels. The WBBL match day will also include [a Welcome to Country, music and food – confirm activities].
The Orange Army is encouraged to arrive early at the WACA Ground on Saturday 14 November to be part of the barefoot circle atmosphere before first ball.
The WA Cricket Foundation Aboriginal programs and pathways are made possible with the support of generous donors.
Weber WBBL|12 – Kaarla Boodjar Match
Perth Scorchers v Adelaide Strikers
Saturday 14 November. First ball 4:10PM, WST.
WACA Ground, Perth
LIVE: Kayo Cricket, ABC Sport
KFC BBL|16 – Kaarla Boodjar Match
Perth Scorchers v Brisbane Heat
Monday 4 January. First ball 6:15PM, WST.
Optus Stadium, Perth
LIVE: Seven, 7Plus, Kayo Cricket, ABC Sport