The association has confirmed some notable changes ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, featuring a facelifted T20 model, while one team has dropped out of the Haisman Shield.
Cricket Shepparton has diverted from the in-season T20 blueprint and instead re-launched it as a pre-season tournament played over one weekend on October 11-12.
Rather than two divisions - higher and lower - the new T20 format will feature A and B-grades as well as a lower grade, with round robin games spread over four grounds on the Saturday.
Semi and grand finals will then be played at one central venue the following day.
Cricket Shepparton director of senior cricket Steve Dalitz said the old model presented its fair share of challenges, and with clubs embracing the revamped T20 competition, the decision to change it up required little deliberation.
“It’s always been tricky fitting it in; we’d run it on Thursday nights which, because of travel and people working, makes it hard to get there on time,” he said.
“There’s more grounds with lights now but they still struggled to get there by 5pm.
“(This) gives all the clubs a chance to treat them like practice matches.
“All 12 A-grade teams have put T20 sides in which is the first time that’s happened for a long time. Obviously the clubs have looked at it as a better format.”
The other major shift ahead of the season launch is the withdrawal of Euroa from the Haisman Shield.
Dalitz confirmed the Magpies, who have fielded a side in the A-grade competition since the 2018-19 season, won’t do so this summer.
However, like other years, Euroa will still feature in Cricket Shepparton’s lower grades.
“They’re definitely out of A-grade. They’ve probably struggled over a few years and probably should’ve done it a year or two earlier, but I think they’re on a rebuild,” Dalitz said.
“That’s the only change, Euroa pulling out of A-grade.
“I think quite a few clubs have recruited so it’s looking like a good comp again. Last year was quite successful; even the bottom sides were quite competitive against the top sides most weeks.”
On the recruitment front, Kyabram has been busy boosting its list as the new campaign looms.
English spinner Louis Sabbagh-Holt will return for a third season down under, hoping to add to his impressive 2024-25 catalogue of 22 wickets at 19.4, while Kyle Fitzgerald rejoins the Redbacks after a year off.
Fitzgerald cracked 167 runs at 23.9 during Kyabram’s 2023-24 Haisman Shield-winning season.
In other district club signings, Nathalia has lured opening bowler Logan Campbell from Karramomus, while Barooga welcomes an import opening batter, Harvey Johnson, alongside returning English recruit Zach Dunn.
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