Middlesex set for Royals rumble

Reigning Twenty20 Cup champions Middlesex will play 2008 Indian Premier League winners Rajasthan Royals in a charity match at Lord’s on July 6.

Shane Warne will lead the Indian side, while Hampshire skipper Dimitri Mascarenhas could also be on duty due to his links with the franchise, in a match which will raise money for the British Asians Trust.

Vinny Codrington, chief executive of Middlesex, welcomed the news, saying: “After the disappointment of not being able to play the Champions League last year it is fantastic that the 2008 Twenty20 champions of England and India can play such a match.

“The fact that the game will benefit such a worthy charity is a tremendous bonus.”

Lalit Modi, chairman and commissioner of the IPL, said: “This is yet another milestone in the international development of the IPL.

“We have shown this year that the IPL truly has global appeal, and for one of our teams to be playing at the 'home of cricket' in front of the wonderfully passionate British fans is very exciting.”

Manoj Badale, chairman of the Royals, added: "This is a great opportunity for the Rajasthan Royals to expand our fan base in the UK, and to showcase the great international talent in the team.”