Houston man joins Scotland over-60s Cricket World Cup squad

Tim Preston-Jones, who played for a Rest of the World side in India two years ago, is set to fly to Toronto for the tournament, which runs from August 8 to 23.

This year, Tim will compete as part of a new team that will mark Scotland's debut in the competition.

The team, Scotland Seniors Cricket, was formed by players, including Preston-Jones, who sought recognition for Scotland to participate independently.

Tim Preston-Jones is set for his second over-60s Cricket World Cup (Image: Supplied)

Scotland Seniors Cricket had to secure the endorsement of Cricket Scotland and meet various criteria to gain acceptance by the International Masters Cricket (IMC) in 2025.

The IMC is a body that provides international over-age Masters cricket for players over 40, 50, 60 and 70 years old.

Tim said: “We were delighted to be accepted by the IMC (International Masters Cricket) as an official member.

“This body provides international over-age Masters cricket at over 40, 50, 60 and 70 years of age and apart from the leading nations such as Australia and England, all the major cricket countries are participating such as India, South Africa, Pakistan, West Indies, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and a strong organisation in Wales, while other emerging nations such as Canada and the USA are members also, with others progressing applications to join in the future.

“Scotland’s over-age participation is expanding rapidly with a team playing at the over-40s World Cup in Guyana in November and another at the over-50s tournament next February in India.

“Scotland players come from all over the country, from as far north as Nairn and Aberdeen, to the central belt in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Ayrshire, and there are a few team members who reside in England.

“We even have a Scotland player, Gordon McGurk, who played for Uddingston in the 1980s, living in Australia.

“The over-60s squad also includes another player with local Renfrewshire connections in Javaid Ashraf, who played for Kelburne Cricket Club at an earlier age, and both of us have played together regularly in matches against England, Wales and touring Australian teams in recent times.”

Tim Preston-Jones is set for his second over-60s Cricket World Cup (Image: Supplied)

Preston-Jones's long sporting career was temporarily halted due to work commitments and raising a family with his wife, Carol.

However, the cricket theme continued as his sons, Gregor and Alistair, both grew up to play for Ferguslie Cricket Club.

Gregor still plays for the Paisley club, while Alistair plays in New South Wales, Australia, where he emigrated some years ago.

Once Tim could return to the game as an opening batter after a 23-year absence, he scored centuries for the first XI, the second XI and the over-40s (Forty Club Scotland District) sides.

This season, he has been playing for the club's elevens to continue his passion for the game and to keep in shape for the forthcoming World Cup.

Tim Preston-Jones and Javaid Ashraf, formerly of Kelburne CC, of Scotland over 60's team (Image: Supplied)

Tim also served as the Ferguslie club president in 2023/24, was the club's cricket convener for several years and helped coach the club's junior section with Alistair "Sam" Scott.

The keen sportsman also plays golf at Kilmacolm Golf Club, but for the next few weeks, cricket will be his priority as he prepares for the World Cup in his Scotland kit.

Anyone interested in playing over-age Masters cricket and who believes they may be suitably qualified should contact Scotland Seniors Cricket on social media or via their website.