Sheffield Shield 1971–72

The 1971–72 Sheffield Shield ran as the eightieth edition of Australia's premier domestic first class cricket competition. Five teams competed across twenty matches in a double round robin format to decide the title. A new points system came into play for this particular season.

Western Australia claimed the championship to secure their third title in the history of the competition. Their campaign featured standout individual performances, notably from John Inverarity who led the batting charts with 641 runs.

South Australia missed out on the trophy despite the efforts of Ashley Mallett, who topped the bowling statistics by taking 45 wickets over the course of the matches.