Captains revealed as WA Cricket launches 2024-25 season

Whiteman’s appointment was announced this morning during a breakfast event at Fraser’s Restaurant in Kings Park to officially launch the 2024-25 season.

Tactically astute and heralded for his composure, Whiteman captained WA to consecutive Shield titles in 2022-23 and 2023-24 as well as last year’s Marsh One-Day Cup (ODC) championship while deputising for the injured Ashton Turner.

Chloe Piparo (Women’s National Cricket League), Turner (ODC and BBL Perth Scorchers) and Sophie Devine (WBBL Perth Scorchers) retain their leadership posts from 2023-24.

The launch was also attended by incoming WA Cricket CEO John Stephenson, who travelled from England to make his first public address on behalf of the organisation.

Mr Stephenson reaffirmed the excitement surrounding a campaign that could see Head Coach Adam Voges’ side enhance its standing as one of the greatest teams the state has produced. Already the only unit in history to win three consecutive Shield and ODC titles simultaneously, WA are chasing four-peats in both competitions.

Becky Grundy’s youthful women’s team, meanwhile, has its sights firmly set on securing WA’s second WNCL title, having worked hard over winter to build upon the significant gains of recent seasons.

Cricket remains a summer staple for Western Australian kids, evident in outstanding early registration numbers for season 2024-25. More than 3,000 children have already signed up to the Woolworths Cricket Blast program – 35% more than the same time last year. Junior Cricket and Junior Girls registrations have also increased by 10% respectively, compared to the same time last season.

Off field, the WA Cricket Foundation is making a difference in the lives of Aboriginal cricketers, young women, and people with a disability through our sport. The Foundation continues to flourish, building upon a strong base that is testament to the determination and commitment of its generous donors, community partners and staff.

It comes at an exciting time for cricket in the state, with the $168.9 million WACA Ground Improvement Project set for practical completion in July 2025. The upgrades will transform the Ground into a world-class community, entertainment and sporting venue supporting elite and community cricket, and providing year-round facilities for Members and the broader community.

The Project is facilitated by WA Cricket and the WA Cricket Foundation, and Cricket Australia, along with local, state, and federal governments as part of the 10-year, $1.66 billion Perth City Deal.

WA’s ODC (22 September v NSW at Cricket Central) and WNCL (24 September v Tasmania at the WACA Ground) campaigns begin later this month, before the Shield season starts on home turf against Queensland on 8 October.

Speaking ahead of the new season, incoming WA Cricket CEO John Stephenson said:

“The inspiring culture of WA Cricket really resonates with me so I’m so pleased to be here and very excited about the projects that are coming through with the WACA Ground Improvement Project, growing the game and sustained success on the pitch.

“For the past three years WA Cricket has been incredibly successful for men and women. The WACA Ground Improvement Project is a great opportunity to push things forward and to make sure we continue that success on the pitch. They’re interlinked.

“The success of WA Cricket is testament to the culture we just witnessed during the season launch. The collaboration and teamwork on and off the pitch produces success on the pitch.

“There’s also the connection with the community, the development programs that have been installed at WA Cricket, and producing our own talent. That really is the recipe to sustained success.”