Calcutta to stage tsunami match

london: THE International Cricket Council has confirmed Calcutta as the venue for the second tsunami relief match between an Asian XI and the Rest of the World. The game, which will have official one-day international status, will take place at Eden Gardens on February 13. “We look forward to the cricket world uniting again as the work begins to rebuild the millions of shattered lives,” said ICC president Ehsan Mani.

The first game in Melbourne earlier this month raised ?5.8 million. It attracted a crowd of 70,101 spectators, who saw the World XI win by 112 runs. The vast Eden Gardens stadium could exceed that figure, however, and the Asian Cricket Council has promised to pull out all the stops to promote next month’s fixture. “The slogan for the second tsunami appeal match will be ‘Cricket for Humanity’,” said ACC president Jagmohan Dalmiya. “We will leave no stone unturned to ensure a human chain is built up across the world, so everyone can come forward to donate generously for a noble cause. “We have already started receiving a warm response from the various cricket playing countries.”