The Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) and New Zealand Cricket Players’ Association (NZCPA) have announced that Thursday’s Titans International Twenty20 match between the ACA Masters and the NZCPA Masters in Hamilton, NZ, will be dedicated to the Christchurch earthquake relief.
The match, to be televised on Fox Sports 3 from 4.30pm EST on Thursday, will see former greats like Craig McDermott, Andy Bichel, Brad Hogg and Greg Matthews taking on Stephen Fleming, Dion Nash and Adam Parore.
All profits from the match at Hamilton's Seddon Park will go to the Christchurch earthquake Relief Fund.
Matthews said the tragic events in Christchurch had altered the focus of the match.
“This game has been built on Trans-Tasman rivalry and promoting the game of cricket, but the events in Christchurch have shocked the players from both teams – so we’re really keen to put on a good show and raise money and awareness for all those affected by the earthquake,” he said.
ACA Chief Executive Paul Marsh said he hoped support for the event would be widespread.
“We recognise that the devastating effects of the earthquake are continuing to unfold but we’re grateful to have the opportunity to respond positively, in whatever small way we can,” he said from Hamilton.
“There will be a range of fundraising activities taking place throughout the match and the broadcast so we hope to have plenty of support at the ground and with people watching in both New Zealand and back in Australia.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this disaster, and particularly staff from New Zealand Cricket, who are based in Christchurch.”
The match will be broadcast on Fox Sports 3 ahead of the South Africa v West Indies clash in the ICC World Cup.
The ACA is the official representative body of past and present players and the ACA Masters program is dedicated to promoting the game and engaging with local communities.
Thursday’s match between the ACA Masters and the NZCPA Masters will be the second clash between the two teams after the inaugural game two years ago.
ACA Masters
Andy Bichel
Ryan Campbell
Lee Carseldine
Murray Goodwin
Brad Hogg
Jimmy Maher
Greg Matthews
Craig McDermott
Greg Ritchie
Chris Simpson
Mike Veletta
