After a challenging start to the week due to heavy rain across Christchurch, the Over 70s Cricket World Cup is now underway, with matches being played across the region — including one of today’s fixtures, NZ vs Sri Lanka taking place in the Precinct at Christ College Grounds. Round One matches that were scheduled for Wednesday were unfortunately cancelled following persistent poor weather earlier in the week, leaving teams and organisers eager to get the tournament properly underway. With conditions improving, today marks the first full day of play in the competition and a welcome return to cricket for players, supporters, and volunteers alike. The match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka is expected to be a special occasion, bringing together experienced players who continue to showcase the enduring spirit of the game. Tournament organisers have worked quickly behind the scenes to ensure the event could move forward following the disruptions, coordinating venues and schedules so teams can begin their campaigns. While play is spread across several venues, Hagley Oval remains a central hub for the tournament, with players, officials and supporters regularly passing through the venue during their time in Christchurch. Hagley Oval will also host the Tournament Final. For many teams, simply getting onto the park after the week’s weather delays is a moment to celebrate. With the tournament now underway, the focus shifts firmly back to cricket and the camaraderie that defines the Over 70s Cricket World Cup. For full tournament information, including teams, fixtures and match

The Hagley Park Polo Grounds were alive with colour, community and celebration over Waitangi Weekend, hosting the FA’ASILASILAGA TĀUA Kilikiti Festival 2026, delivered by the Christchurch Samoan Ministers’ Fraternal. Held across Friday 6 and Saturday 7 February, the festival showcased kilikiti, the traditional Samoan form of cricket, and brought together players, families and supporters from across the region. The event featured both social and competitive divisions, with men’s and women’s competitive matches running alongside social games that included elders, non-competitive participants, and youth aged up to 15. Beyond the matches, the Polo Grounds became a true festival space, with mini games for all ages, bouncy castles, and food vendors, creating a welcoming environment that celebrated sport, culture and connection. While the event was independently organised, it was great to see the wider Hagley precinct used as a gathering place for community-led activity, reflecting the diverse ways cricket — in all its forms — continues to bring people together.

Christchurch is preparing to welcome the global cricket community as the city hosts the IMC Over-70s Cricket World Cup, an international tournament celebrating skill, sportsmanship and a lifelong love of the game. Delivered by Veterans Cricket NZ, the tournament will see teams from around the world compete across multiple venues in and around Christchurch, bringing players, supporters and visitors together for a festival of cricket and camaraderie. A highlight of the tournament will be the World Cup Final, which is scheduled to be played at Hagley Oval — Christchurch’s premier cricket venue. Set within the heart of South Hagley Park, Hagley Oval provides a fitting stage for the culmination of a tournament that honours experience, resilience and the enduring spirit of cricket. While matches will be contested across the city, the final at Hagley Oval will bring the tournament to a close at a ground renowned for hosting cricket at the highest level, from international fixtures to landmark community events. The Over-70s Cricket World Cup is a powerful reminder that the game continues to inspire, connect and challenge players well beyond traditional competitive pathways — proving that passion for cricket knows no age limit. For full tournament information, including teams, fixtures and match updates, visit the official tournament website:www.imco70cwc.kiwi