Inaugural Over-40 Inter-Regional Series Begins
The Veterans Cricket Association of Ireland continues to expand the game across the island with the inaugural Over-40 Inter-Regional series getting underway today at in County Meath.
Following the success of the inaugural Over-50 Inter-Regional fixture between the South and North earlier this season, attention now switches to the Over-40 age group as South take on West in what promises to be another important milestone for veterans' cricket.
The match will be played over 35 overs per side, with Knockharley Cricket Club hosting the historic occasion.
The South side will be captained by Ehtesham Ahmed and includes Levon Shields, Liam Casey, Mubeen Ali, Farooq Bajwa, Sumit Singh, Mubasher Siddique, Tahir Rasheed, Andrew Kay, Khalid Bilal and Ashley Bain. Baz Grimes takes charge as team manager.
The West team is led by Shariq Nasim and features wicketkeeper Kushal Narang, Kamran Mirza, Sidharth Joshi, Muhammad Saqi, Gurpreet Singh, Darryl Calder, Danish Ali, Joseph Thomas, Renjith Nair and Umair Maqsood. Steve Woods is the team manager.
Experienced officials Paul McGrane and Andy McGirl will stand as umpires, while Peter Searson takes on scoring duties.
Beyond the result, the fixture represents another significant step in the continued growth of veterans' cricket in Ireland, providing competitive opportunities for players who remain passionate about the game long after their representative careers have ended.
South manager Baz Grimes believes the occasion is another landmark moment for the association.
"I'm delighted to be involved in the inaugural Over-40 Inter-Regional match," said Grimes.
"It's important that we lay a solid platform to enable the growth of veterans' cricket within the island of Ireland. Best of luck to all selected and enjoy the occasion."
With participation continuing to increase at both Over-40 and Over-50 levels, the Veterans Cricket Association of Ireland is demonstrating that cricket truly is a game for all ages, with today's encounter expected to provide another showcase for the standard and spirit of veterans' cricket.
