A World Cup Call-Up Nobody Saw Coming
There are feel-good stories in cricket, and then there is the story of Ian Barton. Two years ago, the Blackburn-born batsman was quietly turning out in the lower order for Lancashire's Over-60s second team, probably not giving a great deal of thought to representing his country. Fast forward to the summer of 2025, and the 62-year-old is preparing to board a flight to Canada on 5 August as part of a 16-man England squad bidding to win the Over-60s Cricket World Cup. It is, by any measure, a remarkable turnaround.
Speaking to BBC Radio Lancashire, Barton was refreshingly candid about how quickly things have moved. "This time two years ago I was batting low down in the second team for Lancashire Over-60s and two years hence, I've captained the England Lions a few weeks ago," he said. "And now I've been picked for the England main team to go to the World Cup, so it's all a bit mind-blowing I suppose." Mind-blowing is probably the right phrase.
Back in the Bubble and Loving It
What strikes you most when you listen to Barton talk about his cricket is the sheer enjoyment he is getting from the game. After nearly four decades in the sport, you might expect a certain weariness to set in, but that could not be further from the truth. He has rediscovered his love for batting since returning to cricket with Lancashire, and the runs have followed. "I've got back into cricket for Lancashire and obviously loving it. I'm doing OK, scoring quite a few runs so I'm enjoying doing what I do," he said.
That form has clearly caught the selectors' attention. Barton describes the experience of being selected in almost meditative terms — staying in the moment, focusing on performance, and letting the rewards take care of themselves. It is the kind of mindset any coach would encourage, and it is evidently working for him at the highest level of age-group cricket.
A Lifelong Connection to the Game
Barton's love of cricket is anything but new. He spent 37 years representing Longridge Cricket Club's first eleven, a remarkable stint that ran from 1981 all the way through to 2018. That level of loyalty and commitment to a single club speaks volumes about his character. His connection to Longridge ran deeper than just playing — he also served as chairman and, more recently, took on the role of vice-president, demonstrating the kind of contribution to grassroots cricket that often goes unrecognised at a national level.
It is precisely that sort of long-term dedication to the game that tends to produce players who know how to handle pressure situations. When you have spent nearly four decades competing at club level through the highs and the lows, a World Cup squad announcement is less likely to unsettle you — and more likely to feel like a deserved reward.
England's Chances in Canada
England will head into the Over-60s World Cup as one of the more fancied nations, and Barton's recent form with the bat will only strengthen their batting resources. While outright betting markets for age-group World Cups remain niche, England's squad depth and experience suggest they should be competitive throughout the tournament. For Barton himself, the focus will simply be on contributing wherever he can and enjoying every moment of a journey that, two years ago, would have seemed almost unimaginable.
As a former coach, I have seen plenty of players peak early and fade. Stories like Barton's remind us that cricket, more than almost any other sport, rewards patience, dedication, and a willingness to keep showing up — regardless of age. Canada awaits, and English cricket's over-60s community will be watching with enormous pride.
