Inaugural Over-40 World Cup moved to Cape Town from Pakistan

Newlands cricket stadiumNewlands. ©Matchpixsa

The inaugural Over-40 World Cup has been relocated to Cape Town, South Africa.

The Over-40 World Cup was originally scheduled to be played in Pakistan later this year.

Cape Town and surrounds also hosted the Over-50 World Cup in 2023 and 2020.

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What was said about relocation of 2024 Over-40 World Cup

“The International Masters Cricket (IMC) committee is delighted to announce that the inaugural Over-40 Cricket World Cup will now be held in Cape Town, South Africa, from 4 to 18 March, 2024,” read a statement from IMC committee chairman Stirling Hamman.

“Last month, Cape Town hosted the Over-50 Cricket World Cup, in which England defeated South Africa in the grand final at the iconic Newlands stadium. All 14 countries of the IMC family attended and it was a truly amazing experience for everyone.

“Pakistan had originally been named as the host country for the Over-40 World Cup, but were unable to fulfill the criteria for the event.

“The International Masters Cricket steering committee made this difficult decision following a thorough assessment of the situation in Pakistan, consultation with the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association and discussions with the 14 member countries of IMC.

“There was a clear and widespread feeling among the majority of countries that they were not willing to send teams to Pakistan and the IMC respected this view.”

“In arriving at this decision regarding the change of venue, the IMC committee had to consider the time of year that the event would be held and the availability and readiness of Cape town to ‘flick the switch’ to guarantee the undoubted success of this inaugural prestigious event.

“The IMC committee has total faith and confidence in the Veterans Cricket Association of South Africa (VCASA) and Cape Town to again produce fabulous grounds, facilities and logistical capabilities.

“It will be a spectacular event that will be thoroughly enjoyable, followed globally, and will set the tone for future World Cups in this exciting new age group.”

Preparation for the Over-40 World Cup

Western Province Over-40, Dolphins Over-40, Titans Over-40, East Rand Over-40, Lions Over-40 and Border Over-40, Eastern Province Over-40 and Boland Over-40 will compete in May 2023’s inter-provincial tournament in Johannesburg.

Several former international and first-class cricketers will be involved in the Over-40 inter-provincial tournament, including Lions duo Garnett Kruger and Alviro Petersen, Western Province captain Ashwell Prince, East Rand’s Kyle Smit and the Titans’ Derek Brand.

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