The saying that age is just a number rings true on Friday evenings across the region, where the KZN Inland Cricket Veterans League continues to prove that passion for sport does not fade with time. Now in its third year, the league has become a vibrant feature of the local cricket calendar, with most matches played on Friday nights. Established by KZN Inland Cricket, the initiative was aimed at keeping retired and senior players involved in the game while preserving the rich cricketing culture of the region.
KZN Inland Cricket chief executive officer Jason Sathiaseelan said the league was created to reconnect former club players with the sport they love. “The KZN Inland Veterans League started about three years ago, with matches played on Friday nights. The initial reason was to bring back players who had represented their clubs and to maintain the culture that existed at those clubs,” said Sathiaseelan.
The league is strictly age-based, catering for players aged 40 and over, and has earned praise for its high standard of competition. According to Sathiaseelan, many of the so-called “silver foxes” on display are former premier league or provincial cricketers. Veterans cricket is for players who are 40 years of age and over.
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The standard of veterans cricket is high, with the majority of players having played premier league or provincial cricket in the past. Beyond the competition, the league has also revived memories of yesteryear stars and brought families and friends together around the game. Former KZN Inland players such as Grant Rowley, Sashan Dorasamy, Murray Hampson, Lucky Dladla, Richard Hlela, Vleis van Vuuren and Shaun van der Byl are among the familiar names featuring in the league.
While most teams are competitive and capable of challenging any opposition, Midlands Cricket Club have emerged as the most consistent and successful side. “They have a full team of former provincial players, and they have performed exceptionally well,” said Sathiaseelan.
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