A GAME FOR THE AGES

One of the best trends in cricket in recent times has been the rapid growth of options for older 'veterans' 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!

As of August 2023, International Masters Cricket now formally incorporates the four age groups that currently play international Masters cricket – over-40s, over-50s, over-60s and over-70s – within the same body for the first time. There are now 14 member countries, leading to many touring opportunities.

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

Check out the news and options below.

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DISTRICTS OVER 50s

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The DISTRICTS EVERGREENS 'A' and 'B' TEAMS comprise players from both the Central Districts and Northern Districts regions, united by a common bond and goal of beating teams like Canterbury and Auckland at national tournaments!

The 2023/24 NZ Inter Provincial Tournament was held in Dunedin and Mosgiel in mid-January 2024 - the fifth such annual nationals. Games were played at Sunnyvale, Brooklands and Memorial Park with the tournament featuring eight teams — two each from Auckland, Districts, Wellington-Tasman and Otago-Canterbury — across two divisions

• CONTACT Greg Shearer for more information about the Districts Evergreens Over 50s here

• JOIN the Districts Evergreens Over 50s Facebook Group to follow the latest news and updates here

Players nearing 50 are welcome to apply.

However, please note that you will need to be 50, if selected, to represent New Zealand.

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NEW ZEALAND OVER 50s

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

From 13-18 March 2024, an Over 50s international Quad Series is being held right here in CD, at Blenheim's Horton Park.

New Zealand, New Zealand 'A', Australia and USA are taking part.

This Blenheim tournament is a major build-up event for the next Over-50s World Cup, which will be held in Sri Lanka in the second half of 2024. Follow the Over 50s cricket Facebook page for all details and scores.

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NEW ZEALAND OVER 40s

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Last summer (2022/23) was 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 new structure by following the New Zealand Over 40s cricket Facebook page here

The summer’s interprovincial tournament was held in Christchurch from 30 November to 4 December 2023.

Nelson and Marlborough players can join in with the Wellington Tasman Firehawks team at this level - contact Ben Homan on 022 658 0028.

North Island players in our region should make contact with the Districts (combined CD and ND provinces) team.

The International Masters Cricket Over-40s World Cup was held in Cape Town, South Africa from 19 February to 4 March 2024.

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CENTRAL DISTRICTS OVER 60s

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The 2023/24 New Zealand Over-60s Nationals are being hosted in Hawke's Bay, from 17 to 21 March 2024, at Napier's Nelson Park and Taradale CC

It's been 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 the squad, along with team manager Steve Cunningham from Taranaki. The NZ squad:

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

Playing for the CD Over 60s team is your first step on exciting journeys like these

To learn more, CONTACT Greg Shearer for more information by emailing Greg here

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

PS, check out the delightful One News video feature on the New Zealand Over 60s national tournament, below

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CENTRAL DISTRICTS OVER 70s

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New Zealand Over 70s is sending a team over to the very first Over 70s World Cup, starting in London, England on 28 July 2024

New Zealand will be competing against Over 70 teams from Sri Lanka, England, India, Australia, Wales and Canada for the inaugural title - as well as enjoying a trip of a lifetime

Learn more about New Zealand Over 70s cricket opportunities by visiting the Masters Cricket Facebook page here