GLOUCESTERSHIRE Seniors are heading back to India for a second tour which includes nine matches in just ten days!
After a hugely successful first visit a year ago, a group of 15 players will jet out to Mumbai on Thursday with feet hardly touching the ground ahead of the county’s opening game on Saturday.
In total, seven T20 clashes have been scheduled, along with one 40-over encounter, at a total of eight different venues including the iconic Shivaji Park Gymkhana and the Cricket Club of India which hosted 18 Tests between 1948 and 2009, along with the ICC Champions Trophy in 2006.
Tour manager is Steve Pennington who also captains Gloucestershire Over 60s 2nd XI.
He said: “It’s impossible to describe how incredible the 2024 trip was, not only for me but the rest of the touring party.
“From my previous visits to India, I was already familiar with the warmth of hospitality, kindness and friendship afforded, but it scaled new heights on this tour.
“It came as no surprise that the entire touring squad wanted to return. And for this trip we’ve been joined by four more players, all equally keen to experience what it is that makes Mumbai and Mumbaikars so special. We’re all so excited.”
Gloucestershire are preparing for matches on six successive days after opening up against Shivaji Park Gymkhana.
Valentine’s Day will be spent travelling to Lonavala before the hectic schedule concludes with three more games in as many days ahead of returning home on February 18.
The squad includes England Over 60 international Rob Austen, of Painswick, along with Apperley’s Hugh Leeke who has appeared for England Over 50s and also walked out at Lord’s in the National Village Cup final, in 1998.
Gloucestershire touring party: Steve Pennington, Rob Austen, Andy Burrows, Matt Cannon, Bill Church, Srinivas Kamath, Hugh Leeke, Nick Marment, Simon Meszaros, Kim Parsley, Ian Robson, Rob Sharp, Paul Silvester, Sean Walters, Dave Yates.