Past and present cricket stars set to hit Ararat in February

The players will take on a representative team of local cricketers in an action-packed Twenty20 game on Friday 23 February at Alexandra Oval, Ararat.

Ararat Rural City Council Deputy Mayor, Cr Gwenda Allgood said excitement was building ahead of the Masters tour.

"We are thrilled that the Australian Cricketers' Association have chosen to bring the Masters tour to Ararat and give the community an opportunity to see first class players of yesteryear up close," she said.

"This is also going to be a fantastic opportunity for our local cricketers in the Grampians Cricket Association to test their skills against the best.

"I encourage everyone in the community to get behind not only the match - which will be free of charge to enter with the support of Ararat Rural City Council - but the whole tour as there will be lots of activities taking place over the three days."

Entering its tenth year, the Masters program has been developed by the ACA, the official representative body of past and present players, with a focus on the promotion of cricket. The program helps local cricket associations raise funds and identify local talent.

The tour program has been primarily funded by the current first-class and Australian players as part of their commitment to developing the game in regional Australia and engaging with local communities.

Players from this year’s tour are set to be announced in the coming weeks.

ACA CEO Alistair Nicholson spoke about the importance of the Masters program.

“A number of elite Australian cricketers come from regional Australia so it’s important to support the growth of the game in these areas.

“The Masters will bring a great deal of knowledge and experience and hopefully we can help and development of a number of young and local cricketers.”

The tour will also include in2CRICKET coaching clinics, community visits from the players and a sportsman’s function the night before the game.

The tour is supported by the Ararat Rural City Council and the Grampians Cricket Association.