Central Districts Cricket Association

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 tournments, 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 committee is now calling for expressions of interest from any players keen on trialling for the 2023/24 NZ Inter Provincial Tournament, to be held in Queenstown in mid-January 2024 (dates are to be finalised by the NZ Over 50s committee).

The Districts Evergreens will be holding the following events:

15 October 2023 • Net Training session • Location and time TBC
29 October 2023 • Inter-squad match • Location and time TBC
26 November 2023 • Districts v Auckland (A and B) • Location and time TBC

• CONTACT Greg Shearer for more information 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 the exciting national and international opportunities at the 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 will be 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.

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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

This year’s interprovincial tournament will be held in Christchurch from 30 November to 4 December 2023.

Nelson and Marlborough players can join in with the Wellington Tasman Firehawks - 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 next International Masters Cricket Over-40s World Cup will take place in Cape Town, South Africa from 19 February to 4 March in 2024.

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CENTRAL DISTRICTS OVER 60s

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It's a big season for the New Zealand Over 60s who are off to the Over 60s World Cup in Chennai, India in February-March 2024. Several players from CD have been selected in the squad, along with team manager Steve Cunningham from Taranaki.

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