India-Pak match to ‘Catch the Spirit’ by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

---

Event:

ICC World Twenty20 2009

---

DateLine: 29th May 2009

 

The International Cricket Council has designated the India-Pakistan warm-up game as ‘Catch the Spirit’ match.

 

According to an ICC release, funds raised through a variety of means during the game will go to support the families of the victims of the attack on the Sri Lanka team and match officials in Lahore in March, as well as Peace and Sport projects across the Asian sub-continent.

 

Commenting on the initiative, ICC President David Morgan said: “The decision to designate the India–Pakistan encounter as a ‘Catch the Spirit’ match follows a recommendation by the ICC Board at its most recent meeting, in Dubai in April.

 

“The Board wanted to do something to assist the families of the victims of the terror attacks on the Sri Lanka team and match officials in March, and using this high-profile match with a sell-out crowd as a vehicle to do that makes excellent sense.

 

“‘Catch the Spirit’ is one of the themes of the ICC’s ongoing centenary year of 2009 and it highlights the respect with which the game is played around the world.

 

“We are extremely grateful to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the hosts, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Surrey County Cricket Club, for allowing the match to take place under this banner,” Morgan added.

 

Fund-raising methods on the day will include requests for contributions from spectators inside the ground, donations from appeals via broadcast and internet coverage of the match and contributions from cricket stakeholders and other parties.

 

Commenting on the initiative, BCCI President and ICC director Shashank Manohar said: “Cricket has a special power to bring people together. It is in keeping with the spirit of cricket that the BCCI will be supporting this cause.”

 

PCB Chairman and ICC director Ijaz Butt said: “The attack in Lahore was a terrible shock and we have immense sympathy for all those who were affected by the incident.

 

“The PCB provided support to the families of the victims immediately after the attack and it is encouraging to see the rest of the cricket world coming together in this way.”

 

The India – Pakistan match is one of 12 warm-up matches that are taking place on June 1, 2 and 3 at Lord’s, The Oval and Trent Bridge ahead of the men’s tournament, which starts on June 5.