Cape Town is calling!!! The Count down has begun. The men’s over 50 Masters World Cup is scheduled from March 6 to March 20. Be it a U 19 World Cup or an Over 50 world Cup the flavor may vary but the passion remains the same. It is still a battle between bat and ball. 14 Nations will compete over a 2-week hectic schedule and on March 20th we will have one team crowned as the CHAMPION. All 12 ICC full member nations are taking part in the tournament. Australia the reigning champion is the favorite team to retain the title, more than 6000 over 50 ( age) players turned up for the trials in Sydney to pick a 16 Man Aussie squad. England, Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Zimbabwe will surely want to contest the favorite tag. USA is seen as a dark horse given their recent performance to win the Big Man Championship cup in Barbados.

The trials are done, teams are picked, fitness sessions, practice sessions, trial games are all now in the past. Its packing time and travel time. Next week teams from various parts of the world will leave for Cape Town.

South Africa has had a plethora of cricketing events in 2023 already. The women’s U 19 World Cup just concluded a few weeks back. The Women’s ICC T 20 world cup is underway in the Rainbow nation. On the heels of this marquee event, the Men’s Over 50 World Cup will commence. It will be interesting to see how the 22 yards strip(s) will pan out given a hectic season.
A world cup has a charm about it, something special which kindles interest of the viewers, excites the players, motivates the administrators and an event which attracts more eye-balls which is an incentive to the sponsors.

Here is wishing every team and every player the very best. Looking forward to a wonderful cricket carnival, full of excitement and competitive spirit. May the best team win. It will be a test of endurance, fitness, skill and temperament.

Cheers!!
Ravi Suri
USA Over 50 Media Manager.