Spirit of Cricket World XI Assembled! Legends Unite for Festivale Showdown in Mildura

Anthony Telfer
Jul 25
2 min read

The cricketing world is set for a historic moment this September as the O55’s Spirit of Cricket World XI takes the field for the very first time. From 17th – 23rd September, Mildura will host this elite team as they compete against Australia, New Zealand, and Australia A in what promises to be a thrilling celebration of cricketing class, camaraderie, and competition.

This landmark tournament is part of the Spirit of Cricket Festivale, fully endorsed by the International Masters Cricket Organisation (IMC). Running alongside the O55’s showcase is the O50’s category, featuring Australia, Canada, the USA, and Australia A in a separate yet equally prestigious competition.

The World XI will be led by Mark Kratzmann, a former Hong Kong national player, bringing international pedigree and strong leadership to the squad. Supporting him is Adam Dale, former Australian Test and ODI fast bowler, acting as team mentor and tactician — a powerful combination of on-field IQ and global cricketing experience.

Stacked with international stars, the team features World Cup veterans from Sri Lanka — Russel Ingram, Ravi Perera, and Channa Weerapperuma — alongside experienced performers from the USA, Philippines, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka. This truly global side reflects the Spirit of Cricket’s mission: to unite players through shared passion and competitive spirit across generations and borders.

“We have assembled a side that truly embodies the spirit of cricket. With this level of talent and experience, we’re aiming to make a big statement in Mildura,” said Kratzmann.

“Working alongside Adam Dale is an incredible opportunity — we’re both ready to bring the trophy home,” he added.

The formation of this team was the initiative of Spirit of Cricket Managing Director Anthony Telfer, who acted swiftly to fill a missing piece in the tournament's format.

“There was a clear void in the O55’s space, and the response has been overwhelming,” Telfer said. “We’ve had massive interest from around the world, and that’s reflected in the quality of the side we’ve assembled.”

Telfer is also extremely optimistic about the global growth of the O55’s age category, stating:

“Masters cricket is expanding rapidly, and we believe the O55’s format will soon be a cornerstone of international veterans cricket.”

With just over 50 days until the first ball is bowled, the excitement and energy around the tournament are building fast. More than 120 international players will descend on Mildura, bringing with them not just top-tier cricket but a celebration of mateship, legacy, and the true spirit of the game. The countdown is on — and the world is watching.

The Spirit of Cricket Festivale promises to be a world-class celebration of the game's heritage and heart — and with live-streamed matches broadcast globally, cricket fans everywhere can be part of this groundbreaking event.