Behind the Scenes at Hagley Oval: Preparing for the Over 70s Cricket World Cup

Hagley Oval will host the 2026 Over 70's Cricket World Cup Tournament Final.

Lance Ryan standing on the embankment at the Port Hills End of the Pavilion overlooking the Hagley Oval Pitch.

With the IMC Over 70s Cricket World Cup set to be hosted in Christchurch, preparations at Hagley Oval are well underway — and it’s the behind-the-scenes work that often makes the biggest difference.

Captured overseeing pitch preparation at the Oval, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chair is closely monitoring progress as plans are put in place to deliver a match-ready wicket for the tournament. In the lead-up to an international event, preparation involves a carefully managed programme that includes monitoring grass coverage and soil moisture, scheduling rolling to achieve the desired firmness and pace, and responding to weather conditions that can influence how the surface plays.

Each stage — from mowing heights and rolling timings through to managing wear across the block — is planned with consistency and player experience in mind, particularly for a tournament that will see multiple matches played over a short period.

The preparation and ongoing maintenance of Hagley Oval is carried out by Christchurch City Council’s experienced cricket ground staff, who also care for the other cricket grounds across the Hagley Park precinct. Their expertise and local knowledge are central to maintaining high-quality playing surfaces and ensuring the Oval continues to meet international standards.

Hagley Oval has a proud history of hosting international cricket, and this event adds another chapter — celebrating not just competition, but decades of connection to the game. For many of the players involved, the Over 70s Cricket World Cup reflects a lifetime spent in cricket, and the care taken in preparing the playing surface recognises the experience and commitment they bring to the field.

The tournament will culminate with the IMC Over 70s Cricket World Cup Final hosted at Hagley Oval on 5 March, marking a fitting conclusion to the event and an opportunity for spectators to experience international cricket played in its purest spirit at one of New Zealand’s premier venues.

We look forward to welcoming teams, officials, and supporters to Hagley Oval as Christchurch hosts this special moment in the tournament.