In an effort to establish veterans cricket in South Africa, the inaugural Wanderers Masters Cricket League began on 11 May.
The first league game took place between Wanderers and Vagabonds made up of players over 40 years old.
Chairman of the Wanderers Cricket Club Frank Auger said the idea of starting the league was driven by the desire to keep players in the sport.
“Too many players leave the game in this country in their 30s, therefore depriving younger cricketers the benefit of learning from their experience,” said Auger.
“We have decided to look at ways of bringing players back to the sport that they once enjoyed. In addition, we now have the added motivation of the Over 50s Cricket World Cup.”
The first Over 50s Cricket World Cup took place in Australia last year. The next edition of the tournament is set to take place in Cape Town in 2020. Cricketers who had previously represented South Africa at an international level, or those who missed out, now have the opportunity of donning the green and gold.
“South Africa is far behind many other nations in terms of established veterans and masters cricket infrastructure. As a response, the Veterans’ Cricket Association of South Africa has applied for ancillary membership status of Cricket South Africa.”
In the first edition of the Wanderers Masters Cricket League, four teams will take part including Wanderers, Old Edwardians, Pirates, and Vagabonds.
“We are hoping that players who have hung up their boots and put their kit away to gather dust will consider playing again. We have pitched our league at over 40 year olds to widen its appeal although eligible players that do well will be considered for selection for the over 50s world cup squad.”
Auger said although they were starting relatively modestly with only four teams, they are hoping the concept will catch on in the same way as masters hockey and squash in South Africa did.
All games will consist of 25 overs a side and will take place at the Wanderers Club bottom cricket oval from May to July this year.
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