Pakistan Stars to play in charity cricket event

Emdad Rahman

Three of Pakistan’s most famous cricketing sons have signed up to take part in Cricket for Heroes, a charity cricket event to be held at the Kia Oval on Thursday, 17th September, which will raise money for Help for Heroes. A Help for Heroes XI will play a Rest of the World XI in an All Star T20 match.

Current Pakistan T20 skipper Shahid Afridi, who is one of the most charismatic and popular cricketers in the game, will be joined by countryman Abdul Razzaq, a former Surrey player, and legend Wasim Akram, who will be manager of the Help for Heroes XI.

The Rest of the World side will be captained by New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum, coached by Gary Kirsten and managed by Sunil Gavaskar.

The opposition Help for Heroes XI will be under the leadership of Andrew Strauss and the management of Sir Ian Botham. They will be joined by fellow legends of the game such as Matthew Hayden and Graeme Smith as well as Scott Styris and Damien Martyn. Other players include Graeme Swann, Simon Jones, Matthew Hoggard and Darren Gough.

Cricket for Heroes will also see the very first Old Mutual Changemakers Challenge Cup match between Help for Heroes Cricket Club and the England Physical Disability XI.

Allan Lamb, Chair of Selectors for Cricket for Heroes, said: “It’s fantastic news that we have managed to secure three prominant Pakistan cricketers and I’m sure having them on board supporting a great cause will encourage Pakistan supporters to turn out in their numbers at the Kia Oval on 17th September. We have even more big player announcements to follow which I’m sure will also generate a real buzz, especially within the Asian community!”

Tickets for this fun end of season party cost just £20 for adults and £1 for kids (under-16). Tickets can be bought online at: www.cricketforheroes.com

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