Over 40s World Cup

October 2, 2026

OVER 40s World Cup 2026

IMC Over‑40s Cricket World Cup 2026: Guyana Set to Host the Biggest Masters Tournament in History

The cricketing world will turn its eyes to the Caribbean this October as Guyana hosts the largest-ever IMC Over‑40s Cricket World Cup, a two‑week festival of international masters cricket featuring 16 nations, 72 matches, and free admission for fans across all venues.

Running from 17 October to 1 November 2026, the tournament promises high‑quality cricket, vibrant cultural experiences, and a major boost to Guyana’s growing sports‑tourism sector.

🏆 Tournament Overview

  • Host: Guyana
  • Dates: 17 October – 1 November 2026
  • Teams: 16 international sides
  • Matches: 72 total, played over 15 match days
  • Format: Group stage followed by playoffs
  • Age Rule: All players must be 40+ at tournament start
  • Admission: Free entry to all matches (per CWIMA)
  • Match Start Time: 9:30 AM GYT daily

This World Cup is sanctioned by International Masters Cricket (IMC) and hosted locally by the Cricket West Indies Masters Association (CWIMA).

🌍 Why Guyana? A Landmark Moment for Masters Cricket

Guyana’s successful bid to host the event marks a milestone for Caribbean cricket. With matches spread across Georgetown, Berbice, and Essequibo, the tournament will bring thousands of players, officials, supporters, and tourists into the country.

The Guyana Chronicle and Guyana Directory both highlight the significant economic uplift expected across hotels, transport, food, and tourism operators.

This is not just a cricket tournament — it’s a showcase of Guyana’s sporting infrastructure, hospitality, and cultural vibrancy.

🏟️ Venues Across Guyana

Matches will be played at nine to eleven grounds across the country, with the following key venues confirmed:

  • Guyana National Stadium (Providence) — host of the final; 15,000‑seat international venue
  • Enmore Community Centre Ground
  • Lusignan Community Centre Ground
  • Georgetown Cricket Club (Bourda) — hosting 14 matches including a semi‑final
  • Malteenoes Sports Club
  • Albion Sports Complex (Berbice)
  • Anna Regina Stadium (Essequibo)
  • Hampton Court Ground (Essequibo)

These grounds have long histories in Caribbean cricket and will provide a mix of traditional and modern cricketing environments.

🌐 The 16 Nations Competing

The IMC has approved the following groups:

Group A

West Indies, Australia, Wales, Sri Lanka, Canada, South Africa, Namibia, Colombia

Group B

New Zealand, Pakistan, UAE, India, England, Scotland, USA, Rest of the World

This diverse lineup includes powerhouse cricket nations, emerging masters programs, and global representation from four continents.

📅 Opening Day – 17 October 2026

All six opening‑day fixtures begin at 9:30 AM GYT:

  • Australia vs West Indies — Providence Stadium
  • Canada vs South Africa — Enmore
  • New Zealand vs Scotland — Lusignan
  • USA vs England — Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC)
  • India vs Rest of the World — Malteenoes
  • Pakistan vs ROTC — Albion

This simultaneous start across Guyana sets the tone for a high‑energy, country‑wide celebration of masters cricket.

🎯 Tournament Significance

This World Cup is being hailed as the largest masters cricket event ever staged in the Caribbean, with unprecedented participation and visibility.

Key impacts include:

  • Sports Tourism Boom: Hotels, transport operators, restaurants, and local businesses expect sustained activity throughout the event.
  • Community Engagement: Free admission encourages families, schools, and local cricket fans to attend.
  • Veteran Talent Showcase: Many players have first‑class, domestic, or international experience, bringing high‑quality cricket to Guyana’s grounds.
  • Global Broadcast Reach: CWIMA has built a YouTube‑based Broadcast Centre for live streaming and replays.

With 72 matches in just 15 days, fans can expect non‑stop cricketing action.

📺 How Fans Can Follow the Tournament

  • Live Streams: CWIMA’s Broadcast Centre (YouTube-based)
  • Match Results & Scorecards: IMC Facebook page (per IMC announcement)
  • Guyana Directory: Full schedule, venue details, and event listings
  • Local News: Guyana Chronicle, News Room Guyana, 592Hub for updates and features

✈️ Planning Your Visit

Guyana offers a unique blend of cricket culture, rainforest adventure, and Caribbean hospitality.

Useful local directories:

Providence Stadium is approximately 25 minutes from central Georgetown via the East Bank Demerara highway.

Entry to all matches is free, though private corporate booths at Providence are available for purchase (limited availability).

🏏 A Celebration of Masters Cricket

The IMC Over‑40s Cricket World Cup 2026 is more than a tournament — it’s a celebration of longevity, passion, and the global masters cricket community. With Guyana’s rich cricketing heritage and the world’s best over‑40s talent on display, this event promises to be one of the standout cricket spectacles of 2026.

Whether you’re travelling to Guyana or following from afar, the stage is set for an unforgettable World Cup.