Spirit of Cricket to Clash with Kent Park Taverners at the Iconic DP World Wanderers Stadium

The DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg - Affectionately known as the "The Bull Ring"

Johannesburg, South Africa – 30 March 2026 will mark a truly historic moment as the Spirit of Cricket Masters XI take on the Kent Park Taverners at the world-famous DP World Wanderers Cricket Stadium, affectionately known as the “Bull Ring”. The match, a 45-over contest, will be one of the highlights of the Spirit of Cricket tour to South Africa and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the touring players heading to Cape Town in March 2026.

The view of the DP World Wanderers Stadium Bull Ring from a backstoppers perspective

Few cricket venues carry the weight of history and atmosphere quite like the DP World Wanderers Stadium. To play on this hallowed turf is considered the pinnacle for cricketers around the globe, placing it in the same breath as the MCG, SCG, Adelaide Oval, and Lord’s.

The DP World Wanderers Stadium Tour

Beyond the match itself, the touring party will enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic DP World Wanderers Stadium Bull Ring and have the unique opportunity to witness the South African One Day Final, contested between the country’s two top provincial teams, further enhancing what promises to be an unforgettable cricketing experience. As part of their DP World Wanderers Stadium experience, the touring party will enjoy a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the DP World Wanderers Stadium, including the Stadium Museum, which showcases the rich history of the Wanderers, Transvaal and Gauteng cricket from the 1950s to the present day.

The Famous Players Tunnel

The tour also includes access to the Charles Fortune Media Centre, the iconic Long Room and Boardroom, historic players’ change rooms, scorers’ and umpires’ facilities, and the famous players’ tunnel. Visitors will explore the various historic stands before stepping onto the hallowed outfield and pitch area, offering a rare opportunity to experience the stadium from the players’ perspective.

Cape Town O55'S International Cricket Tournament

This South African tour also forms part of the prestigious Cape Town Over 55s International Tournament, taking place from 15–24 March. During the tournament, Spirit of Cricket will field both their World XI and Masters XI squads in a highly competitive international tournament, competing against representative teams from Wales, Zimbabwe, the USA, Canada, Australia, and tournament hosts the South African Rhinos. The event brings together elite masters cricketers from across the globe, celebrating international camaraderie and the enduring Spirit of Cricket before the tour culminates with the landmark fixture at the DP World Wanderers Stadium.

A Proud Host with a Rich History

The Kent Park Taverners were founded in the mid-1960s by Ted Sceales, then Marketing Director of South African Breweries. The vision was simple yet powerful: to create a place where members of the Wanderers Club could enjoy first-class cricket alongside a well-earned glass of beer. The name Kent Park Taverners originates from Victor Kent Park, the ground on which the current Wanderers Stadium was built.

Over the decades, the Taverners have enjoyed several homes within the Bull Ring and, in 1997, made a significant contribution of R1 million to the then Transvaal Cricket Union towards the construction of the Taverners Pavilion. Funded through the sale of 100 debentures, this milestone also saw the expansion of membership, which today stands at over 500 members.

Carl Mellors, Chairman and Event Organiser for Kent Park Taverners, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to be hosting the Spirit of Cricket Masters XI at the DP World Wanderers Stadium. This will be an exciting and competitive game played in the right spirit, but just as importantly, it’s about building lifelong friendships and creating memories that will stay with everyone involved long after the final ball is bowled.”

Commitment to Cricket Development

Kent Park Taverners have long been passionate supporters of cricket development across the province and the country. Their fundraising efforts have backed numerous initiatives, including strong support of junior cricket through the annual Montrose Night Challenge.

In the women’s game, the Taverners are proud sponsors of Wanderers Ladies Cricket, supporting various short-format tournaments that continue to grow participation and visibility within the women’s cricket landscape.

Looking ahead, Kent Park Taverners are actively exploring, in conjunction with CGL (Central Gauteng Lions), opportunities to embark on inbound cricket tour projects, further positioning the DP Word Wanderers Stadium as a premier destination for international touring sides. The Taverners have previously enjoyed success hosting touring Canadian teams and are keen to further develop and enhance their relationship with Spirit of Cricket, building long-term international partnerships grounded in the spirit and traditions of the game.

Anthony Telfer, Managing Director of Spirit of Cricket, added:

“We are incredibly grateful to the Kent Park Taverners for allowing us the opportunity to play on one of the most famous cricket grounds in South Africa, if not the world - The DP World Wanderers Stadium. For our players, this is like stepping out at the MCG, the SCG, Adelaide Oval, or even Lord’s. All 11 players are extremely excited, and to finish what I’m sure will be an unforgettable 15 days of international cricket in South Africa in Johannesburg will be truly special.”

A Fitting Finale

The Spirit of Cricket Masters XI vs Kent Park Taverners clash promises to be more than just a match, it will be a celebration of cricket’s heritage, camaraderie, and global spirit, played on one of the game’s most revered stages.