The first eleven players signed to play in a May 12th, 2012 All Star T20 cricket match between an Asian XI and an International XI at Toronto’s Rogers Centre (previously known as the SkyDome) were named at a press conference today [Thursday February 16th]. The Asian XI is due to include Shahid Afridi, Saeed Ajmal, Sanath Jayasuriya, Sunil Joshi, Mohammad Sami and Tamim Iqbal. Due to the Indian Premier League’s operation at the time of the Toronto match, it is expected that various Pakistani players will form the nuceleus of the Asian XI side.
The International XI is due to include Mark Boucher (South Africa), Tino Best (West Indies) and Brendan Taylor (Zimbabwe) plus two Canadian internationals in Rizwan Cheema and Ashish Bagai. The organizers expect to be able to confirm former West Indies test captain Brian Lara’s presence within the next few days.
Other announcements of players will follow as the game draws closer. The umpires will be selected from local Canadian sources. Grant Flower was named as the coach of the International XI, even though it was Andy Flower who was listed as coach in page of “Tentative Squads” that was not meant to be in the day’s Press Kit. The Asian XI coach remains as TBA, or to be announced, as listed on that page.
Alistair Campbell, Chairman of Zimbabwe’s cricket committee, has been the main selector and person behind the scenes in tracking down and gaining commitment from players for this event. He has worked with journalist Neil Manthorp. Both Campbell and Manthorp spoke via Skype links from overseas.
Imran Khan, the Bollywood singer and actor (as distinct from the former Pakistan international all-rounder, and now campaining politician) is to feature in the entertainment supporting this T20 gala match. Some West Indian entertainment is also expected. A pre-game party is due on the Satrday night before the game begins at 3pm on the Sunday afternoon.
Herb Choga, President of Kat Rose, is leading this overall project. Ingleton Liburd, chief operating officer for Cricket Canada was on hand at the launch and Amir Shamsi of Kat Rose acted as master of ceremonies for this launch. Cricket Canada President Ranjit Saini spoke from Vancouver where he is attending the funeral of Cliff Cox, a long-time Vice-President of Cricket Canada/the Canadian Cricket Association, who died recently. The funeral had been a celebration of Cliff Cox’s life, which is highly appropriate.