Perth could be set to host an Indian Premier League friendly, Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti has revealed, as she unveiled the State’s pitch to tourists ahead of the India Test match this summer.
Ms Saffioti revealed she had been in discussions about bringing the IPL to WA as she stood alongside former Australian wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist, who will spearhead a tourism campaign in Mumbai and Dehli with his son Harry.
![Transport Minister Rita Saffioti will announce a significant milestone in the Labor Government’s efforts to futureproof and modernise Perth’s public transport network for generations to come. Pictured is Transport Minister Rita Saffioti.](https://timesofsydney.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/51cb21b38b8fbf7481dfc07617703742cea94e08-4x3-x686y369w2657h1993.jpg)
“We’ve initiated conversations, yes. So potentially, an IPL match played at Optus. That would be the vision.”
The West understands discussions have centred around a potential friendly against the Perth Scorchers — a first for Australia.
Ms Saffioti said while negotiations were also underway to bring direct flights from India to Perth, she did not expect a deal before the West Test against India in late November.
“When we were in India, we met with the two key airlines. We put offers on the table,” she said.
“It’s about getting the right aircraft availability. As I said, I’ve also raised it with Qantas and also potentially Jetstar.
“We’re doing all we can, and I don’t believe it’s too far away, but it’s about just making sure the airlines get the aircraft.”
Mr Gilchrist said while WA’s Test crowds have been criticised in recent years for poor showings, the next three years of scheduling — two Tests against India and an Ashes series against England — would see numbers return
“It’s sort of a blockbuster three-year period, and to have the West test opening the series, I think we’re going to see fantastic crowds,” he said.
“To have all that here on our shores, and to be able to showcase not just Perth Stadium and the cricket but everything that comes with coming to Perth and Western Australia, I think we’ve it’d be remiss of us not to take that opportunity to promote everything that’s here.”
The six-month campaign, to run in India on social media, billboards and popular cricketing apps, will cost taxpayers $885,000.