Pakistani Cricketers to Appear at Town Hall

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Players at the centre of storm to attend fund raiser

Sixteen members of the Pakistan cricket team will be taking part in a fund raising charity dinner at Hammersmith Towh Hall this week. The event comes just after a dispute which has rocked the world of cricket and caused the team to forfeit the third test again England, the first forfeiture in the 129 year history of test cricket.

The team had been accused of ball tampering by an umpire a charge which they vehemently denied. As a protest they delayed their return to the field after a break and, although they did eventually present themselves to continue the game, the umpires had already declared the match over. The day after the event the captain of the side Inzamam ul-Haq faces a disrepute charge.

The event is Muslim Aid-supported charity dinner for those in need in Lebanon. A live telethon appeal will be conducted in conjunction with the event.

Captain Inzamam ul-Haq, top batsman Mohammed Yousuf, pace bowling star Shoaib Akhtar, and exciting allrounder Shahid Afridi are among those who will be participating in the event. The aim is to raise £500,000 for the suffering children of Lebanon, and raise awareness of their situation.

The other confirmed guests include Muslim scholar Dr Zakir Naik from India, who will deliver the keynote speech, former Pakistan cricket captain and politician Imran Khan, and Muslim Aid vice-chairman Dr Mohammed Jaffer Qureshi. Each ticket is being sold for £100 and each table for £1000.

There will also be an auction of valuable cricket memorabilia, including signed bats and shirts. During the evening’s fundraising session, donors will have the opportunity to buy ambulances for the affected areas of Lebanon and fund relief projects..

August 22, 2006