DOHA: Cricket frenzy will hit Doha today when the World XI, led by legendary Brian Lara will clash with Asia XI, captained by iconic Sanath Jayasuriya in a Twenty20 fixture at the West End Park Stadium under the flood lights.
Renowned cricketers from Australia, West Indies, England, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and the Netherlands are taking part in the match being organised to mark Eid Al Adha.
The West End Park which has hosted major cricket events in the past is organising the match in association with the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The fixture has been dubbed as historic as this is the first time that cricketers of Lara and Jayasuriya’s caliber will be seen in action in Doha.
“This is the first time that I will play cricket in Qatar and I am very excited about it,” Lara told reporters at a pre-match press conference yesterday, soon after his arrival.
“I always look forward to playing in countries which have started focusing on cricket. Qatar is home to big sporting events and I am delighted that they have started focusing on cricket.”
Lara who has 11953 Test runs and 10405 runs to his name in the ODIs promised an exciting game of cricket.
“We are up against the Asian side which will enjoy a good support here. But we have played in the Middle East a lot and we are used to this situation.
“My team comprises of good players and we will play to win. We are looking forward to an exciting game,” said the legendary player about his team which will have the likes of Herschelle Gibbs (South Africa), Damien Martyn and Jason Gillespie (Australia).
Meanwhile Lara’s counterpart Jayasuriya was equally thrilled ahead of the game, hoping for a win in the historic tie.
“We are looking forward to a competitive cricket,” said the Sri Lankan legend.
“Both the teams are good and my players are ready for a good show. A good game is guaranteed,” said the swashbuckling cricketer of the past.
Jayasuriya added he was expecting a good support from the Asian cricket fans.
“The Middle East is very passionate about cricket as we have played a lot in the UAE. I am expecting a similar atmosphere here.”
Also present at the press conference, West End Park Chairman, Mana Ibrahim Al Mana said there were high demands for tickets from enthusiasts, hoping that the match will be a huge success.
Al Mana thanked the Ministry of Youth and Sports for its support in holding the match.
“We are looking forward for more such events and we are also in talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board to hold their matches in the future.” The match will start at 6pm. THE PENINSULA
