Farhaan Behardien debuts in WPVCA league: Mind is sharp, but body still has to catch up

Farhaan Behardien cricketFarhaan Behardien.

Former Proteas batsman Farhaan Behardien debuted for Ottoman Cricket Club Veterans this week.

Behardien hit a half-century in Ottoman Cricket Club Veterans’ 67-run win over Hanover Park Cricket Club Veterans in the 2024-25 Western Province Veterans Cricket Association league.

Get Club Cricket SA news on Whatsapp

“The invitation to play was extended last year already, when I turned 40 years old, but I wasn’t ready to play again after dedicating half my life to the playing of the sport,” said Behardien.

“I wanted to step away from the game and progress in my career post my cricket career, but also give my body a break, seeing that I put it through a lot of strain in those 20 years.

“I was anxious before the game like usual, butterflies of being out there again, but fortunately played with guys I’ve known for years. There was some banter and just the general camaraderie during the game which I miss.

“A lovely way to ease back into the playing of the game. The mind is sharp, but body still has to catch up. Hanover Park Cricket Club hosted us well.”

Behardien, who played 59 ODIs and 38 T20Is from 2012 to 2018, is the head coach of Ottoman Cricket Club in the 2024-25 Western Province Cricket Association premier league.

Other former Proteas cricketers have played veterans cricket around South Africa, too. These include Claremont Cricket Club’s Alan Dawson and Victoria Cricket Club’s Ashwell Prince in Cape Town – and Old Edwardians Cricket Club’s Zander de Bruyn.

MORE latest veterans cricket news