Twenty20 match for tsunami appeal

The England and Wales Cricket Board has given its official approval and backing to Surrey holding a special Twenty20 Match between Asia and an International XI to raise money for the Tsunami Appeal.

The game, which is also supported by the ICC, will take place on June 20 at the Brit Oval and the teams will contain a galaxy of international stars.

Brit Insurance has pledged a significant donation, and Surrey will donate all the profits of the game to the appeal.

Following the magnificent efforts at Melbourne on January 10 which raised A$16million, it is hoped to raise a substantial amount by attracting corporate and private support both from the City and on a nationwide basis.

ECB chief executive David Collier said: "The world of cricket has played a leading role in responding to the tragic events caused by the Tsunami.

“ECB is most grateful to Surrey County Cricket Club and to Brit Insurance for their generous offer to stage this match and thus provide an exciting opportunity for supporters of cricket in England and Wales to support the appeal fund. "

Surrey chief executive Paul Sheldon commented: "We are delighted to be able to play a small part in helping to rebuild the shattered lives of the victims of this terrible disaster.

“Brit Insurance's immense generosity will mean that a large number of our Asian friends and supporters will have an opportunity of seeing some of their greatest heroes in the first Twenty20 event of its kind.

“It will also give spectators the chance to see the magnificent redevelopment of the ground which will have opened a matter of weeks before."

How the ground will look

Neil Eckert, chief executive of Brit Insurance, added: "After the stirring cricket fund raising events occurring in the southern hemisphere, we hope that this event can become a focal point for the cricket community to rally round and make a meaningful contribution following the recent tragic events to hit so many cricketing nations both in Asia and the Caribbean.”