Growing enthusiasm among former cricketers to get back on the pitch
Pictured are Western Province Veterans Cricket Association (WPVCA) executive committee members with representatives of clubs who joined the association this year. Seated, are, Feroz Shaik (treasurer), Shafiek Noordien (WP Cricket Committee chairperson), Foazia Sylvester (match and registration secretary), Fuzlin Levy-Hassen (chairperson), Carol-Anne Van Vuuren (secretary). Standing are members representing clubs who recently joined the Association.
Image: Mark Ward
Mark Ward
The Western Province Veterans Cricket Association (WPVCA) has launched its new season in impressive fashion, buoyed by a surge in participation and the introduction of six new teams which stands as a testament to the growing enthusiasm among former players to get back on the pitch.
WPVCA chairperson, Fuzlin Levy-Hassen, said the league’s continued growth is the result of sound administration, discipline, and a shared love of the game.
“We have a stable executive committee that works extremely hard work. This creates confidence and attracts more members. The league provides great entertainment, and the players enjoy the sport in a relaxed and friendly environment,” she said.
The newcomers, Avendale, Bergvliet, Cravenby, Edgemead, Kraaifontein and Kuils River have injected fresh energy and depth into the competition, now in its second week marking one of the association’s biggest expansions in recent years. Their inclusion brings the total number of teams to 28, prompting a revised competition format.
Previously, the WPVCA operated with two groups of 12 teams each. To accommodate the influx, the 2025 season will feature three groups — two comprising nine teams and one with ten. The restructure, Levy-Hassen noted, will ensure a more balanced and competitive league while maintaining the friendly, community-based spirit that defines veterans’ cricket, she added.
While the standard of play continues to rise, the association remains firmly rooted in its ethos of enjoyment and camaraderie. Unlike most competitive leagues, tied matches will not be settled through super overs or bowl-offs. Instead, teams finishing level on runs will share the points, a policy aimed at keeping the atmosphere light-hearted and inclusive.
“The focus is not on high-pressure results but on participation, respect, and love for the game. Our players come from all walks of life, but what unites them is their passion for cricket and friendship off the field,” explained Levy-Hassen.
The WPVCA’s steady rise in membership mirrors the nationwide resurgence of veterans’ cricket, as more former players return to the sport to stay active and connected with former teammates.
With a growing membership base and an energised structure, the 2025/2026 season promises to be one of the most enjoyable to reinforce the WPVCA’s reputation as a sport that unites.