Central Districts Cricket Association

A GAME FOR THE AGES

One of the best recent trends in cricket has been the rapid growth of options for older or 'veteran' cricketers looking to play and stay involved with their peers in the game - including regional and national tournaments, and the development of World Cups in special places around the globe!

In 2023, International Masters Cricket incorporated the four age groups that currently play international Masters cricket – over-40s, over-50s, over-60s and over-70s – into the same administration for the first time. There are now 14 member countries, leading to many great touring opportunities

Central Districts Cricket doesn't formally administrate Masters Cricket in our region, but we're only too pleased to introduce you to the friendly people who are coordinating CD veterans teams and opportunities in our region, and beyond.

Check out the news and your options below.

2022/23 saw the first ever season of organised men's Over 40s cricket in New Zealand, with Hastings-based Peter Connell captaining the Districts team. Learn more about this age-group by following the New Zealand Over 40s cricket Facebook page here

The New Zealand Masters is also a relatively new concept, providing more opportunities for cricketers aged 40 and above to undertake overseas tours. These tours are open to any player who meets the age criteria

In October 2026, two full teams will head to India to play six matches - three in Delhi and three in Bhopal - against local teams organised by the Veterans Cricket India. The group will also stop in at Agra to visit the Taj Mahal

The squad ranges in age from 41 to 60, and will be in India from 4-17 October 2026

To learn more about other opportunities coming up with NZ Masters and Over 40s cricket, visit the facebook page here

In 2025/26, the New Zealand Over-50s Cricket IPT (inter-provincial tournament) will, for the first time, feature six teams based around the six Major Associations

The change reflects the growth in the game across the country, and the increased player numbers in areas that previously did not have many over-50s cricketers - that includes CD, which previously competed as a combined Districts Evergreens team with ND

The IPT is the centrepiece of the domestic O-50s season, and will be held in Wellington in early March 2026

If you have played a good level of cricket and would like to register your interest in playing for one of the six IPT teams, please email Jim Morrison at over50sworldcup@gmail.com with your name, date of birth, phone number, highest level played, current level played, and your playing style (eg, wicketkeeper, leg-spinner, etc.)

They will then put you in touch with the coordinator of your local IPT side

Following the IPT, a New Zealand Over-50s squad will be named for the 2026 winter tour of the United Kingdom. With the IMC Over-50s World Cup also coming up in 2027, there is plenty to play for!

So if you're nearing your 50th, or over 50 already and keen to get involved, register your interest now

Learn more about exciting national and international opportunities at this age level by following the New Zealand Over 50s cricket Facebook page here

OVER 60s

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The 2023/24 New Zealand Over-60s Nationals were hosted in Hawke's Bay in March 2024, at Napier's Nelson Park and Taradale Cricket Club

It was a big season for the New Zealand Over 60s who headed off to the second edition of the Over 60s World Cup in Chennai, India in February-March 2024

Several players from CD were selected in that squad, along with team manager Steve Cunningham from Taranaki

The NZ squad was:

Graeme Inglis (c) Canterbury

Greg Alexander, CD

Dean Askew, Auckland (Central Stags Alumnus)

Russell Drake, Canterbury

Craig Gibb, Canterbury

Tony Gray, Canterbury

Duncan Hutchinson, Wellington

Mike Johnston, Canterbury

Chris Kennedy, Canterbury

Mark MacMillan, ND

Craig Morris, CD

Andrew Nuttall, Canterbury

Mark Paton, Auckland

Martin Pennefather, CD

Neil Rogers, ND

Greg Shearer CD

Roger Stachurski, CD

You can discover more about the national Over 60s (and 70s) cricket teams here