LONDON, 28 January 2005 — The second cricket Tsunami appeal match has been postponed until April due to concerns about player workloads, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced in a statement here yesterday.
The match had been due to take place on Feb. 13 in Calcutta.
But following talks between the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), ICC member countries and players’ representatives, ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said a decision had been taken to put the match back in the calendar.
“On reviewing the proposed date of Feb. 13, it became apparent that there were serious workload issues for many of the players who have indicated a desire to play in this match,” Speed said.
“At that time, England will still be in South Africa and Australia’s series against New Zealand will be about to begin,” he added. “There is never an easy time to fit in an additional match but this fundraising initiative is very important to us all.
“With the support and willing co-operation of the ACC, we have decided to postpone the match until the second half of April when there is less scheduled international cricket.”
The ICC acknowledged the inconvenience delay would cause and Speed added: “I thank the ACC, the players and their representatives, the host venue and all other parties involved for supporting this decision.
“I look forward to another compelling match and more valuable fundraising in the second half of April.” The match will still take place at Eden Gardens, Calcutta, with an exact date still to be confirmed.
The first Tsunami Appeal match between Asia and the Rest of the World raised over $11 million for the tsunami relief effort.
A series between a World XI and New Zealand in New Zealand concluded in Hamilton earlier Thursday when a four-wicket win for the home side gave the Black Caps a 2-1 series win.
