The game, which had already been relocated from Darwin due to heavy rain, was called off on Friday morning with Cyclone Yasi, which devastated areas of far north Queensland in the early hours of Thursday, expected to bring strong winds and heavy rainfall to Alice Springs over the next few days.
AFL general manager of football operations Adrian Anderson said the AFL and the Northern Territory Government had done everything possible to ensure the game could go ahead.
"The latest warning from the Bureau of Meteorology at 5am this morning included heavy rains, damaging winds and flash flooding for the township of Alice Springs ... and we now have no choice but to cancel the match," Anderson said.
"While this will be a disappointment to fans, we must put the welfare of players and spectators first."
Anderson thanked the NT Government, AFLNT, the Federal Government, ABC-TV and radio broadcasters ABC Radio, NIRS and CAAMA for their efforts to make the game possible and for their support for the AFL Indigenous All-Stars.
He also thanked the Richmond Football Club and the AFL Indigenous All-Stars squad and coaching staff.
"This is a very important game for the AFL and indigenous players and we really appreciate the ongoing support of the NT Government. We are now looking forward to playing a NAB Challenge match in Alice Springs on the weekend of February 25-26."
Anyone who purchased a ticket for the match will be eligible for a refund.
Earlier on Thursday, the Indigenous All-Stars had cancelled their flights into Alice Springs while awaiting word from the AFL, and the Tigers, who were due to fly out Friday morning, had also put their plans on hold.
With doubt surrounding the game, Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said player safety was paramount, but both sides were keen for the match to go ahead.
"They're expecting 100km winds, lightning strikes, so a severe weather warning has come out for Friday night," Hardwick said.
"I think during the game they're expecting the cyclone or storm to roll through, which is disappointing."
