Chris Gayle headlines star-studded community T20 event
Some of cricket’s biggest names will converge on Melbourne’s south-east this Sunday in the first of two mega community T20 matches – but the fun extends beyond the boundary ...
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Power-hitter Chris Gayle, former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik, and current Sri Lankan skipper Dimuth Karunaratne.
They’re just a handful of gun names on show for Endeavour Hills this Sunday at Dandenong’s Shepley Oval, as it hosts the first of two star-studded T20 matches.
They’ll take on Queensland premier cricket outfit Western Suburbs, before a clash with some of Victoria’s best on December 4.
Several food trucks, a beer garden – even an on-site barber – will feature among Sunday’s festivities, along with live performances from well-known Australian musician, DJ Havana Brown.
Endeavour Hills president Arun Rajendran said months of planning had all come together for the all-ages event.
“It’s a lot of planning – all of this started seven, eight months ago, negotiating and getting the contracts in place. The last four months have been absolutely full-on in regards to getting the event organised,” Rajendran said.
“It’s a family event – everything from kids’ facepainting all the way through to haircuts on the ground – we’ve got a barber organised – and we’ve gone to every extent.”
While the full squads are yet to be confirmed, Endeavour Hills captain and former Sri Lankan all-rounder Tillakaratne Dilshan will again lead the club on Sunday and will play alongside Subbies teammate Akshay Ballal. English cricketer Luke Procter will also be taking the field.
Former West Indies champion Gayle holds the record for the most runs scored in the T20 format, as the only player to blast more than 14000 runs and hit more than 1000 sixes. He arrives on Friday morning.
It’s said the Western Suburbs side features some Big Bash names, with the two clubs set to play off for prize money.
Tickets start from $25 for adult general admission through to a VIP experience at $119.99, which includes a meet-and-greet with the cricketers and entertainers, a private bar, cocktail cart and finger food all day, express entry and more.
Children’s general admission costs around $8 while grandstand seating is around $50.
Rajendran said there was an emphasis on keeping the event close to the club’s south-eastern heartland, bringing the star-power to the community.
“You’re not going to get another opportunity to see this calibre of people playing for a local community event – come and sit back and enjoy.”
The match will commence at 2pm this Sunday, November 27 at Dandenong’s Shepley Oval, with tickets available online – click here to purchase.
The second event will be held at 2pm on Sunday, December 4 at Shepley Oval.
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