West Indies, Rest of the World XI to play fundraising T20I
World T20 champions West Indies will face an ICC Rest of the World XI in a one-off T20I at Lord’s on May 31 later this year, to raise money towards restoration efforts in parts of the Caribbean hit by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September last year. In particular, the proceeds of the match will go towards the restoration of the cricket grounds in Dominica and Anguilla. The match, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, has been granted international status.
“To have two category 5 hurricanes in the space of two weeks was unprecedented and everyone around the world was shocked by the destruction which was caused,” Colin Graves, the ECB chairman, said. “The ECB and CWI have always enjoyed a fantastic relationship and we are keen to support them and the people of the Caribbean in this fundraising initiative.”
“Hurricanes Irma and Maria have devastated parts of the Eastern Caribbean and we have been considering how CWI can best show support for our region in the most impactful way,” CWI president Dave Cameron said.`
England’s international summer is set to get underway on May 24, with a Test against Pakistan at Lord’s, while the IPL final is scheduled on May 27, four days ahead of the fundraising T20I.
IMAGE:West Indies players run on to the field after Carlos Brathwaite sealed the win AFP/Getty Images
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