Fasken Time Cricket Festval 2026

It is a great privilege to welcome teams, players, coaches, managers, umpires, scorers, parents, sponsors, and supporters to the 2026 “Fasken Time Cricket Festival”, proudly hosted once again by St David’s Marist Inanda.

What began in 2017 has developed massively into a premier cricketing event, and a much-anticipated fixture on the South African school cricket calendar. After the disruption of 2020 and 2021 during covid times, the festival has continued to grow in stature and strength, and we are delighted to bring together another outstanding group of schools for this, our 9th competitive edition. The festival is about more than simply playing cricket. It is about creating an environment in which young cricketers can really ‘test’ themselves, learn from one another, and experience the unique demands and rewards of the longer format of the game. With 156 players, 28 coaches and managers, 12 umpires, 6 scorers, numerous SuperSport Schools live-stream operators, and the many families and supporters who make the festival what it is, we look forward to several days of competitive cricket, camaraderie and many memorable moments.

We are particularly grateful to our title sponsor, Fasken, a leading local and international law firm with deep roots in Johannesburg. Their continued investment and love for the festival, and their genuine commitment to cricket and youth development have played a significant role in its success. We value this partnership enormously and thank Fasken for helping us provide this opportunity for the next generation of cricketers, leaders, and hopefully a few lawyers too.

The modern game continues to evolve rapidly. With T20 cricket now firmly established across the world, young players are exposed to ever-increasing demands across different formats. That makes the opportunity to play ‘time cricket’ particularly valuable. The longer format challenges players to think beyond the next ball, to build an innings, construct a spell, manage a session and remain disciplined when the rewards are not immediate. It develops technique, tactical awareness, patience, concentration and resilience – all qualities and value that extend well beyond the boundary rope.

We are proud once again to welcome 12 participating teams to Inanda:

St David’s Marist Inanda

St Stithians College

St Andrew’s School

King Edward VII School

Clifton School

Middelburg Hoërskool

St Charles College

Waterkloof Hoërskool

Jeppe High School for Boys

St John’s College

Noordheuwel Hoërskool

Lions Cricket Invitational XI

To every player taking part, we wish you the very best. You will be tested - physically, technically and mentally - and that is precisely what makes this festival such a valuable experience. Embrace the challenge. Take responsibility. Learn from the difficult moments as much as the successful ones. Compete hard - but compete fairly. Most importantly, play the game in the right spirit. Show respect for your teammates, opponents, coaches, officials and the game itself. Cricket has a remarkable ability to teach lessons in leadership, humility, perseverance and character, and we hope you leave this festival not only as better cricketers, but as better young men.

Our sincere thanks also go to the entire St David’s Staff and Organising Committee. Much of what makes this festival successful happens away from the spotlight, and your countless hours of preparation, coordination and hard work are greatly appreciated.

We look forward to witnessing quality cricket, spirited competition and the friendships and memories that make this festival special. May the 2026 Fasken Time Cricket Festival be a celebration of everything that makes schoolboy cricket great - skill, resilience, sportsmanship, camaraderie and a genuine love of the game – as the true test of character isn’t in the easy runs, but in the long spells, the tough sessions, and the many moments that demand resilience…

DAVE NOSWORTHY

St David’s Marist Inanda

Director of Sports Performance and Cricket