By Duane Ranger
St Patrick’s College First XI Cricket Coach, Trent Palmer, has been selected in the World XI, which recently kicked off at Ivor Marsden Oval in Ipswich.
The World XI defeated Afghanistan by five wickets in the 17th over, chasing down. in Round one of the six-week long tournament on opening day – Saturday September 27.
Held under the aegis of the Queensland Cricket’s Project Multicultural, the Multination Challenger Trophy (MCT) comprises competitive teams from diverse background including India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Mosaic X1, as well as Palmer’s World XI and Afghanistan.
On Opening Day, Palmer, a 44-year-old all-rounder, who also teaches Building and Construction at his former secondary school, St Joseph’s Nudgee College, opened the bowling with his off-spinners – and claimed 1/14 off three overs. This included 11 dot balls, which put early pressure on a very aggressive Afghan batting line up.
In other Round One matches NepaI defeated India; and the Mosaic XI beat Pakistan XI.
On Day Two against the World XI 7/161 lost Pakistan 6/165, with Palmer scoring 34 not out off 18 balls. He also claimed 1/24 off his four overs. In Round Three India 6/134 defeated the World XI 80; and Round Four saw Nepal muster just 68, which the World XI achieved in 8.2 overs with their score at 3/72. Palmer took 1/9 off four overs.
He said the World XI will play their “must-win” final round fixture against the Mosaic XI next Saturday November 15.
“This is a critical game for both teams to keep their finals chances alive. I know the team is looking forward to our next game to try and make the finals,” he said.
Palmer, who was delighted to be selected, said the most unique feature of MCT was the World XI squad which included 16 players from Australia, Sri Lanka, Italy, the Philippines, Ireland, Argentina, Bangladesh, Scotland, Mexico, Indian, South Africa, and Spain.
“It’s been a great experience to mix with so many different cultures. I couldn’t believe it when I got named in the Squad. I was sent a text message from the Captain, Luis Hermida, a fellow team member (of Mexican heritage) who I played First Grade Cricket for Toombul back in the 2000’s. He asked me to come along to a training session for the Worlds squad.
“He had noticed that I was back playing cricket for Pine Rivers Cricket Club and had won the summer batting award averaging 72 and was also selected in the Warehouse Cricket Association Rep Team. I seemed to impress the selectors and was lucky enough to get a few trial games in which I scored a 20-ball half century and a 43 not out against Sri Lanka in another trial,” Palmer said.
“I was able to pick up wickets when and was then given the opportunity to play for the World XI,” he added.
Palmer said all the captains were unanimous in saying that MCT was like no other competition they had played in.
“It enabled the diverse communities to play against each other and also within the same team – something that helps build deeper community engagement and a stronger multicultural society. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and its been nice to contribute and play key roles for the team when required.
The entire squad have been fantastic to play with. It’s been great to test my skills against quality players and although I’m in the twilight of my career, I feel I’m playing good cricket and while the body is still willing I would be happy to continue to play this great game,” said Palmer.
Palmer, who resides at North Lakes will coach St Patrick’s College First XI for the second time in 2026. He will also play for the Pine Rivers Cricket Club A grade team, and last season played a major role with both bat and ball in attaining the A grade championship for his Club. He has been playing and coaching cricket for over 20 years.
He has coached in the Lord Taverners competition many years ago and also helped the Toombul Cricket Club the Nudgee First XI, and coached with Queensland Cricket in the U17 Southern Rookie Challenge in 2025.
Earlier this year Palmer was approached to help head coach the City Pirates franchise team in the Century Champions Comp in Mackay alongside Arden Boyd and captain, former Queensland Bulls player Sam Heazlett. He has recently finished a stint at Pine Rivers CC as the Club Coaching Director, where he was pivotal in driving the re-establishment of the junior cricket program.
Starting with only one team, he has helped the club to rise to five teams this season, and also with the help of support staff integrated the Blasters program with over 30 new younger cricketers starting their journey at the club.
“Coaching has allowed me to stay in the game longer. I’m still learning and I don’t think that will change. I was lucky enough to be able to learn off some quality coaches during times in my life. The biggest influences have been Terry Oliver (Former Queensland Bulls coach) and Brady (Spud) Murphy.
“Spud was my wicket keeping coach and it has been really nice to be able to pass on his knowledge that I learnt from him to junior keepers that I am working with,” Palmer said.
With the AIC season starting early next year Palmer said that he is focused on developing players skills and looking towards building strong cultures and a team first mentality for the incoming Saint Patrick’s First XI.
“We have a few games scheduled in early December and we are looking forward to testing ourselves in the Australian Schools Cricket Challenge in January 2026. This will put us in a good position leading into the Round One fixture against St Peters Lutheran College in early February,” said Palmer, who is married to Nicole with one daughter.
Meanwhile, several officialdoms have spoken favourable about the Multination Challenger Trophy. Queensland Cricket’s Multicultural Head, Dr Ashutosh (Ash) Misra had the following to say:
“The tournament is a by-product of the collective vision of the multicultural communities, Associations, cricket clubs and leaders who are united in utilising the appeal of cricket as a bridge and connector for the larger public good.
“It also provides an interface for the diverse communities which otherwise is too far and few in between, for promoting a deeper mutual understanding. These communities won’t have otherwise got the opportunity to play with each other, which explains why they are so deeply excited for playing in this unique League. Cricket builds bonds and Project Multicultural at Queensland Cricket is an apt example of it,” he said.
The Strategic Initiatives Head of Community Cricket. Katisha Webb, and a strong backer of the competition added:
“The Multination Challenger Trophy is a powerful example of how sport can unite communities and celebrate diversity. It’s exciting to see our team lead an event that not only showcases emerging talent but also strengthens our connections across cultures through cricket”.
Shayne Neumann MP, Federal Member for Blair has been a longtime supporter of the initiative also backed the concept.
“Queensland Cricket and Dr. Ash have been a true multicultural champion and play an important role in bring people from diverse backgrounds together through the powerful appeal that cricket embodies. It is a matter of pride for the Blair and the larger Ipswich region and also Queensland to have such amazing champions in its midst and build a harmonious society through sporting engagements,” Neumann said.
Multicultural Australia’s former CEO, Christine Castley also added:
“The Multination Challenger’s Trophy stands as a shining example of how sport can bridge cultures and bring nations together on the field of play”.
