Cricket world unites to raise over AUS$14 million for tsunami relief

The International Cricket Council today sent a message of thanks to all those that contributed to the World Cricket Tsunami Appeal match in Melbourne which has already raised over AUS$14 million for the relief effort.

ICC President Ehsan Mani said that the cricket world had shown tremendous unity in staging a major international fundraising match within two weeks of the disaster.

"Sport has the power to make a positive difference and I have been heartened by the way in which cricket has united across political divides to raise millions of dollars for the World Cricket Tsunami Appeal," said Mr Mani.

Speaking after the match between an ICC World XI and an ACC Asian XI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed addressed the friends and families of those affected by the disaster.

"To the people watching this game in countries affected by this tragedy, we wish you the strength, the will and the persistence that will be required as you rebuild after this terrible time," said Mr Speed.

"The thoughts of everyone here today and across the cricketing world are with you.

"The Asian Cricket Council; Cricket Australia and all of our other ICC Full Member boards; the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations; Cricket Victoria; and the Melbourne Cricket Club have shown immense dedication and professionalism in joining the ICC to make this match happen in a matter of days.

"Travelex has offered great support as the event partner and our broadcast partners across the world, including our host broadcaster Channel Nine in Australia, will generate a significant contribution through their telecasts.

"Many more people have given time, money and thought to help the World Cricket Tsunami Appeal and I thank them all.

"In particular I would like to pay tribute to the players and match officials for giving so willingly their time and putting on a great game of cricket."

The tsunami has had a devastating impact in the Indian city of Chennai, where a group of youngsters playing cricket on the beach were amongst the victims, and in Galle in Sri Lanka, home to one of the world's most beautiful cricket grounds, where thousands of lives have been lost.

"Cricket fans across the world, let us never forget the cricketers of Chennai and Galle and all those lives that have been devastated by this disaster," added Mr Speed.

The first World Cricket Tsunami Appeal match was attended by a sell-out crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and televised in 122 countries. It has already raised over AUS$ 14 million which will be donated to the global relief and development organisation World Vision.

World Vision has staff across the Asian region and is providing food and Family Survival Kits to the countries devastated by the earthquake and tsunami.

Cricket fans can donate to World Vision by visiting the ICC website at www.icc-cricket.com and following the relevant links.

The second World Cricket Tsunami Appeal match will take place in Asia in February or March 2005.