Cricket Legend Les Burdett OAM Named Official Ambassador for 2025 Spirit of Cricket Festivale in Mildura

MILDURA, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 2025 – The Spirit of Cricket Global Organisation is delighted to announce that Les Burdett OAM, one of the most revered figures in international cricket, has been appointed as the Official Ambassador for Week 1 of the 2025 Spirit of Cricket Festivale – Global International Series, taking place in Mildura from September 16–23, 2025.

Les Burdett is a name synonymous with excellence in turf curation and cricket heritage. Best known for his remarkable 41-year tenure as Head Curator of the Adelaide Oval, Les is regarded as a global authority on turf management, having worked with the International Cricket Council (ICC), Cricket Australia, and elite grounds across India, South Africa, Malaysia, and New Zealand.

As the 2025 Spirit of Cricket Festivale brings together Over 50s and Over 55s international teams from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada, Les will lend his vast knowledge and presence to both the cricketing and local Mildura community. He will headline the official Presentation Dinner aboard the historic PS Mundoo and lead mentoring sessions for Sunraysia turf curators, helping them prepare world-class wickets for a truly global event.

“It’s great to be coming back to Mildura to see how the local turf wickets are progressing,” Les said.

“I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with the Sunraysia curators and talking all things turf wicket preparation.”

Les last visited Mildura nearly 15 years ago during the famed Willowfest tournament, and his return is seen as both symbolic and strategic in building a strong foundation for this emerging veterans’ cricket movement.

Anthony Telfer, Managing Director of Spirit of Cricket Global, highlighted the significance of Les’s return:

“Les joined us many years ago, and it’s a privilege to have him return for the Global Spirit of Cricket Festivale. His knowledge, presence, and passion for the game will leave a lasting legacy—not just on the wickets, but on the people who maintain them.”

While Les Burdett’s technical expertise has earned him international acclaim, it’s the relationships he has built throughout his journey that remain closest to his heart.

“The most satisfying part of my career has been the friendships I’ve made along the way,” Les reflects.

“From the late David Hookes to Darren Lehmann, and players such as Adam Gilchrist, and the West Indies’ paceman Joel Garner—these connections mean everything.”

In addition to his on-field contributions, Les Burdett continues to influence the game globally through his company, Les Burdett Consulting Pty Ltd, offering expert advice to leading sporting venues worldwide. A passionate ambassador for Variety SA, Les is also a sought-after keynote speaker, known for his engaging cricket stories and deep wisdom earned from decades behind the scenes of the sport.

His Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), awarded in 2008, and the Key to the City of Adelaide, presented upon his retirement in 2010, reflect a career marked by excellence, humility, and service.

Why This Matters to the Global Cricket Community

• The Spirit of Cricket Festivale is quickly becoming a cornerstone event for the Over 50s cricket movement, bridging generations and cricketing cultures.
  

• With live streaming, international team participation, and a rest day timed with the AFL Grand Final, the event is set to draw attention from both cricket lovers and sports fans across Australia and overseas.
  

• The involvement of a world-class figure like Les Burdett elevates the tournament’s prestige and ensures the event’s playing surfaces meet international standards.