After testing the waters last year with a pressure-free, fun-fuelled format, a summer smash hit arrives on February 1 when an Ashes-slash-Barbarians type match lands at Princess Park.
In 2025, the Shepparton venue played host to a first of its kind: an under-23 versus International XI match.
In a fortnight’s time, back by popular demand, the concept is returning.
Albeit with a twist.
For organiser Sam Nash, the biggest evolution from last year is who gets the call-up.
“We’re opening it up and making it more of an invitational thing, basically allowing clubs to submit a player forward to have a crack at playing in the side,” he said.
“We’re not restricting it to under-23s like we did last year.”
Last year’s edition saw the International XI take the spoils by 61 runs, with plenty of friendly banter exchanged between the two outfits.
Above that, it gave Cricket Shepparton’s youngsters a taste of rep cricket while offering imports the chance to link up outside of usual club duties and connect.
And as Nash pointed out, that’s what mattered most – not the final score.
“It went really well; the overseas boys in particular really liked it as it was almost a bit of a networking opportunity for them,” he said.
“They obviously all play overseas in different comps around the world, so it was cool for them to collaborate and talk and build a bit of a relationship in that sense.
“It was also good last year for those under-23s to play a bit of rep cricket together and expose them to what’s to come.
“A few of those guys have already played in the senior rep squad this year as well.”
While last year’s event was well-received, it wasn’t perfect.
Shepparton Youth Club United president Steven Nash, who helped bring the idea to life alongside his son Sam, said they’re trying to fine-tune it to cater to all groups.
“We got a lot of positive feedback about the event we held last year, but we’re also just trying to improve on it,” he said.
“Last year we clashed too much ... we programmed it for a Sunday and with junior cricket played midweek, all of a sudden the finals turn up on a Sunday, so we’ve come earlier this time around.”
A revised schedule reflects that intent, with play beginning at 9am with a women’s T20 round-robin clash between Shepparton Youth Club United and Nagambie before the focus turns to the Cricket Shepparton versus International showcase from 12.30pm-3.30pm.
There’s even a wildcard on the table: a possible umpires-versus-all-stars clash to supplement the fun and add to the smorgasbord of cricket on offer.
Off the field, the club will have facilities operating throughout the day, using the occasion to promote its fundraising drive toward the new pavilion.
All in all, it promises to be a captivating day at Princess Park which SYCU has dubbed the Festival of Cricket.
Who will come up trumps on the day?
Stay tuned to find out.
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