"We're bringing back the legends of cricket game," was how Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg began his press conference this morning, standing in the middle of Oakes Oval with former Australian cricketer Steve O'Keefe and Deputy Mayor Jeri Hall.

The date to lock away in your diary or to write on your calendar is Saturday, 15 February 2025. However, there will be a golf day on Friday, 14 February and a breakfast on the 15th heading into the Legends game at 3pm.

Once again, the two teams will be led by Mayor Krieg and arguably the world's best wicketkeeper/batsman, Adam Gilchrist.

The event follows the very popular inaugural Legends of Cricket event held in 2023, which was won by the Mayor's 11 by three runs. However, the memories were a little hazy today, as the cricket and crowd entertainment took precedence.

Mayor Krieg outlined the plan for the two-day event as well as recognising some local Lismore cricketing legends.

"If you look around where we stand now, what's different from the last time we played here is that all of this work has been finished. The Gordon Pavilion is state of the art with coaches boxes and dressing rooms. We've actually got power and running water this time", the mayor joked with Steve O'Keefe.

"But we've also recognised some local legends as well. So, we've got the John McMahon Stand and the Lyn Larsen Stand, then on the 14th and 15th that weekend, we're going to recognise probably Lismore's greatest cricketer through the Adam Gilchrist Pavilion.

"Something that, as a council, we're really proud to be able to recognise some of the sporting greats of our community.

"We're starting with a golf day on the Friday afternoon, where people have the opportunity to come and play a bit of golf with some of these sporting legends and icons of the game. And then, on Saturday, we're going to do a bit of a breakfast where you can get up close and ask some weird, wonderful questions about what they used to get up to on tour.

"And then, of course, the legends of cricket game, the T20, not only cricketing greats are going to be participating, we're wrangling a few other celebrities and different people that are well known, not only locally, but across the country and possibly globally as well. There's a few surprises that might spring onto the field at that time."

While the full list of names is yet to be confirmed, as well as council holding back names for a future surprise, Steve O'Keefe did say that Jason Gillespie, Andy Bichel, Mike Kasprowicz are all but confirmed. Jimmy Maher is looking good from Queensland, and, of course, Adam Gilchrist as the local host, along with Lismore's latest star, Grace Parsons, who is playing for the Brisbane Heat in the WBBL.

(Jason Gillespie signs autographs on the boundary in 2023)

Steve finished his Big Bash career earlier this year and is now a resident of the Northern Rivers. He remembers playing in the annual Under 12 Lismore Cricket Carnival, a moment his family still talk about.

"You know, a thriving town, great community, and it hosted some of the best players that I played with and went on to play for New South Wales as such an important stepping stone. And I guess to see it struggle through the floods and the hardships that the locals had was certainly touching from a personal point of view."

Steve talked about how cricket is just a game. However, it can be more than a game when it connects and supports a community.

"Last year, we had Ricky Ponting and, I mean, I was able to play with them, but I'm just as star-struck as anyone being able to strap the pads on sitting in the change room with the likes of Jason Gillespie, Andy Bickel, Mike Kasprowicz, are all guys who will feature. And, of course, the great Adam Gilchrist is something amazing.

(Adam Gilchrist is about to launch a shot into the crowd during the inaugural Legends of Cricket in 2023)

"The turnout last year was just incredible. I don't think you can put into words the struggle that this town has been through, but they all turned out. The kids had an absolute ball. There's a lot of smiles on their faces. Chris Lynn, I remember hit me for about three into the Gordon Pavilion. I hope the holes have been repaired in the roof, but it was an enjoyable day.

"I think what Steve and this town has been able to do and turn around in a couple of years is amazing. It felt like it was a one-off game last time, but hopefully, this is something that can continue to grow and develop, and we can do year in, year out, and make sure that Lismore isn't forgotten.

"We encourage the locals to get out and bring and show us that spirit that they showed through some really tough times. Yes, we play cricket, but this town is an inspiration to us as players. So, anything we can do to help, to give back is just a small bonus.

"I'm really looking forward to the couple of days and, most importantly, the cricket match out here and mingling with the community."

As well as the superstars of Australian cricket and some surprise celebrity names, young local cricket talent will once again get a run on Oakes Oval with their heroes. As Steve O'Keefe said, regional areas produce the best cricketers.

"They're the toughest, generally, in playing against men at a younger age, you learn to grow up a little bit tougher. You don't have it easy. You have everything you need in life, but you have to work really hard for it. So I think those are solid foundations to be a good cricketer. And, you know, it's no coincidence that a town like Lismore is able to produce one of the world's, if not the world's, best keeper-batsman. And I'm sure we might be able to see a few of those young stars on display in the same game.

Mayor Krieg mentioned the likes of Cooper Williams, who substituted for the injured Stuart McGill and took two incredible outfield catches.

"He's just been named New South Wales captain for the combined Catholic schools. He's a kid I'd love to get on the field for the whole game this time. And there's a couple of other really good up and coming young people that would fit in really well. So, love to get them involved."

In terms of the capacity of Oakes Oval, officially, 10,000 is the number. However, the mayor would like to see that tested on the 15th of February next year.

(Nearly a full house in 2023 at Oakes Oval)

"I'd love to see 10,000 people here to recognise one of our local absolute legends on that day. And you can't underestimate the impact that the Steve O'Keefe's, Andy Bichel's, the Michael Kasprowicz's have had through a generational cricketing institution. There was no better team in the world than Australia when these guys were playing and at the peak of their power. So, to have them here in Lismore is something incredible, something that I will be eternally grateful for because Gilly still calls Lismore home. So, to have the calibre of these people give up their time so generously and so willingly is a true credit to the calibre of people they are."

"We want to test our capability. We've got these great facilities, but we need to test them, and we want to encourage anyone and everyone to come along and experience this amazing facility. We'll have food vendors and drinks vendors. Everyone will be here. It'll be a great family picnic day out.

Unlike 2023, when government money allowed the inaugural Legends of Cricket match to go ahead, 2025's event needs to recover the costs to put it on. So, there will be a cost involved.

Ticket Prices: Adult - $20, Concession - $10, Family - $50, U10 – free.

Tickets are available now via www.oztix.com.au.

The Legends of the Cricket will take place on Saturday, 15 February 2025 from 3pm to 6pm at Oakes Oval, Lismore. Gates open at 1pm.

It's not just ticket sales that will help pay the bill for the Legends of Cricket 2025; it is the sponsors as well.

"We've got some sponsors lined up, and we've got to thank Bennett's Construction, who are naming rights sponsors for the event. They've thrown in a heap and we're really grateful for that. And as I said, the reason we have to sell the tickets this time around is Council is underwriting it. We're backing it, but we have got some great sponsorship on board. As far as the golf day, if there are any companies or corporations or businesses that want to get out and sponsor a hole or enter a team, we'd love to hear from you.

"We really do need the business and corporate support to make this happen. Jason Gillespie is a South Australian, and there's a few little whispers of maybe a few West Aussies coming over. None of that comes for free. We've got to get them here. We're putting them up in local accommodation for the weekend. All of that sort of stuff costs money, so it is going to be a community event. It is going to be a community effort to make it a success, and we're really looking forward to the possibilities.