Victorian Premier Cricket

Victorian Premier Cricket is the top-level club cricket competition in Victoria, managed by Cricket Victoria. Each club fields four adult teams, competing on Saturdays and public holidays on turf wickets. Established in 1906–07 as "district cricket," the competition initially required residential qualifications for players, which were later removed when it was renamed in 1990.

Historically, matches were two-day, two-innings contests, with most results decided on a first-innings basis. In the early 21st century, separate one-day and Twenty20 competitions were introduced but have since been consolidated into a single competition featuring all three formats. Outstanding players are selected for the Victorian Cricket Team in Sheffield Shield and Marsh One Day Cup.

The competition's origins trace back to informal inter-club matches in Melbourne during the 1850s, with the Challenge Cup introduced in 1870. By 1889–90, a structured pennant system emerged but faced issues with uneven competition due to unrestricted player recruitment. The district cricket scheme, implemented in 1906–07, aimed to balance competition by residential qualifications, though Melbourne joined only in 1914–15 under special rules.

The competition expanded into outer suburbs from the 1970s, adding clubs like Ringwood and Waverley. Finals have decided premierships since 1909–10, expanding from four teams to eight. Notable awards include the Ryder Medal for best player since 1972–73 and the John Scholes Medal for final performance since 2001–02.