Organisers from the Victorian Masters Cricket competition are currently gauging interest in forming a local side, with hopes that Shepparton could soon join the growing list of regional centres taking part.
If there is enough early interest, a team could take part in a small number of matches during the 2026-27 season, potentially starting with a trial game and two or three competition fixtures.
“All matches in masters cricket are one-day games with each team bowling 40 overs,” organisers said.
“If we can get enough interest locally, we’d love to see a Shepparton team start with a few games and then build into a full season.”
In a second season, the team could play between four and eight matches as the competition grows locally.
Veterans cricket has expanded rapidly across Victoria in recent years, with some associations now fielding five or six teams. Across north-central Victoria, there are already sides based in Benalla, Wodonga and Euroa, with many matches played in Bendigo.
Organisers say an over-60s team would be the preferred starting point for Shepparton.
“A lot of players under that age are still involved with their local clubs,” organisers said.
“Starting with an over-60s side would allow people who may have stepped away from club cricket to get back into the game.”
Masters cricket includes 10 divisions across Victoria: over-40s, 45s, 50s, 55s, 60s, 65s, 70s, 75s and 80s, as well as a women’s competition.
Over-50s teams compete for premiership points and play finals, while in the over-60s and over-70s grades the team finishing on top of the ladder is declared champion.
Season lengths vary across associations, with some teams playing as few as six to eight games while others compete in seasons of up to 12 or even 16 matches.
Players also have the opportunity to represent Victoria and Australia in masters cricket, with state matches and Australian representative teams competing across the country and sometimes overseas.
Organisers say the competition attracts players from a wide range of sporting backgrounds.
“Many former Test and state cricketers play masters cricket, as well as retired AFL footballers,” organisers said.
“It’s proven to be a real leveller and a great way to stay active.”
Beyond the competition itself, organisers say the social side of the game is just as important.
“Playing sport offers many benefits, including exercise and fitness, improved mental health, companionship and camaraderie, and even opportunities for social and business connections,” they said.
The popularity of masters cricket will again be on display at the upcoming 13th annual Echuca Over-60s Cricket Carnival, running from Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20.
Around 36 club teams from Victoria, NSW, South Australia and the ACT will converge on Echuca for the week-long event, which aims to determine the best over-60s club team in Australia.
The carnival is also expected to deliver a strong boost to the local economy, with about 1000 players, family members and supporters using local accommodation, restaurants, clubs and shops throughout the week.
Last year’s A-grade final produced a memorable moment for the Goulburn Valley, when a Shepparton resident bowled Sunbury Ranges to a dramatic last-ball victory over Geelong.
Organisers say anyone interested in being involved in a future Shepparton team is encouraged to get in touch.
“We’re keen to hear from anyone who might like to play, even if they’ve never played cricket before,” organisers said.
“It will be a team effort — not just players but also people willing to help as team managers, scorers, umpires, co-ordinators or even cheerleaders.”
