Tendulkar to play in Pakistan quake relief match by AFP

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Player:

SR Tendulkar, Azhar Mahmood, Mohammad Akram, Saqlain Mushtaq

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DateLine: 3rd July 2006

 

Indian superstar Sachin Tendulkar is to play for an international XI next week in a fund-raising match for victims of the Pakistan earthquake, organisers announced on Monday.

 

A star-studded side is due to take on Pakistan in a Twenty20 international at the Oval on July 10.

 

Tendulkar, who is easing himself back into action after shoulder surgery, will be expected to open the batting for a side that will be skippered by India captain Rahul Dravid and also include wicket-keeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, as well as the likes of Brian Lara and Muttiah Muralitharan.

 

The match is being organised by Surrey county cricket club, whose chief executive, Paul Sheldon, voiced his delight at having secured Tendulkar's services.

 

"It is fantastic to have one of the world's greatest batsmen on show for the match," Sheldon said.

 

"His presence, along with the other great players on display, will go a long way to ensuring that the day will be a huge success."

 

The squad for the international XI also includes three England-based Pakistanis in Azhar Mahmood, Mohammad Akram and Saqlain Mushtaq.

 

Proceeds of next week's match will go to those who have suffered as a result of the quake which struck northern Pakistan last October.

 

The quake killed more than 70,000 people and left hundreds of thousands homeless.

 

International XI (from): Rahul Dravid (captain), Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wicket-keeper), Sachin Tendulkar, Muttiah Muralitharan, Brian Lara, Chris Cairns, Makhaya Ntini, Andrew Hall, Scott Styris, Azhar Mahmood, Mohammad Akram, Saqlain Mushtaq.

(Article: Copyright © 2006 AFP)