Did you know the first ever Over-40s Cricket World Cup is coming up in 2023?

Following in the footsteps of the NZ Over-50s, a New Zealand Over-40s organisation is now looking to assemble a strong New Zealand men’s Over-40 team to compete in the inaugural event, presenting an exciting opportunity to play a high level of international veterans cricket.

If you will have turned 40 by June 2023 (i.e you were born before 1 June, 1983), you’re eligible for selection and can register your interest with Jim Morrison at over50sworldcup@gmail.com

Please provide your date of birth, phone number, playing style (leg-spinner, wicketkeeper, etc) and a brief playing history, including the level of cricket you currently play and for which team/club.

Jim says, “We will look to put together four strong provincial teams that will compete in a selection tournament in the 2022/23 season. From that tournament, the New Zealand squad will be selected for the World Cup.

“Over-40s cricket is extremely strong and well established in several countries, but is brand new in New Zealand. Therefore, we are looking for cricketers who still play regularly at a good level. Fitness and enthusiasm will be important criteria.

“Please note that this is serious, competitive cricket, not social or ‘Golden Oldies’-style cricket.

“The Over-40s World Cup will include some ex-first-class and international players, as well as top-level club cricketers from around the world. Therefore, the four NZ provincial teams will be representative teams comprised of the very best 40-plus players in the country.”

There are many opportunities to play veterans’ cricket in New Zealand, with over-50s, over-60s and even over-70s teams playing at a high level.

The introduction of over-40s cricket will provide many new opportunities and keep talented players in the game longer.

NZ Over-40s Cricket is part of Veterans Cricket New Zealand, which is affiliated to New Zealand Cricket Inc.

Article added: Wednesday 09 February 2022