BY FAWAD HUSSAIN
DOHA: In a huge breakthrough for the game in Qatar, cricket icons Brian Lara and Sanath Jayasuriya are set to lead unofficial sides at a T20 fixture in Doha on October 6.
West End Park, in association with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, is organising the historic match which will be played under floodlights at the city’s brand new stadium.
Batting legend Lara, arguably one of the best batsmen the game has ever produced, will lead the star-studded World XI while former Sri Lanka captain Jayasuriya will lead Asia XI team, which is expected to get a huge support of expatriates from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Lara and Jayasuriya will be joined by names like Herschelle Gibbs of South Africa, Damien Martyn of Australia, Imran Nazir of Pakistan and Tamim Iqbal of Bangladesh.
“The Eid Cricket Festival will be the first time such an array of international talent has come to Qatar,” the West End Park Chairman, Mana Ibrahim Al Mana told a press conference at the West End Park in Doha yesterday.
“I’m excited to see players of the calibre of Brian Lara, Sanath Jayasuriya in the flesh for the first time and I know the public will be equally pleased. I would like to thank the Ministry of Youth and Sport for their valued support,” he added.
Also present at the press conference, Ghanim Jaber Al Kubaisi, the representative of Ministry of Youth and Sports was equally delighted to be the part of the cricket spectacle.
“Promotion of cricket is one the priority for the sports ministry at the part of Doha 2030 vision,” Al Kubaisi told reporters.
“The ministry will continue its support for the game and will be a part of major events in the future.”
Apart from Lara, former Aussie pacer Jason Gillespie and his ex team-mate Martyn are part of the World XI.
Former England spinner John Emburey will serve as the team’s manager.
The Jayasuriya-led Asia XI will have the services of former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif, all-rounder Abdul Razzaq and explosive batsman Nazir besides Aakash Chopra of India.
Gordon Greenidge, the stylish batsman of the past from Caribbean, will act as team’s manager.
Meanwhile, tickets for the mouth-watering match are with QR35 and QR 50 options available.
Tickets can be purchased at the cinemas at West End Park, the Grand Mall and online at www.q-tickets.com while more ticket sales outlets will be announced shortly.
Entertainment will include a DJ, MC and spot prizes will be won on the day to create a festival atmosphere.THE PENINSULA
