F.I.C.A Announces Inaugural F.I.C.A World XI And Sponsorship Partner, Brit Insurance — 11/01/2005

F.I.C.A Announces Inaugural F.I.C.A World XI And Sponsorship Partner, Brit Insurance – 11/01/2005 The Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (F.I.C.A) today announced that the inaugural F.I.C.A World XI will play the New Zealand Black Caps in a Series of 3 One Day Matches commencing 22 January 2005. Following the cancellation of the Sri Lanka tour in January, New Zealand Cricket was faced with having no international cricket at the height of their summer season. F.I.C.A, which has played a central role in the staging and coordination of the Asia v Rest of The World Tsunami fund-raising Match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, was approached by the New Zealand Cricket Board regarding the possibility of providing an international strength World XI to take on The Black Caps in a National Bank One Day International Series, as a replacement for the cancelled Sri Lankan series. Since that request F.I.C.A has contacted international cricketers from around the world via its member associations and has brought together a strong squad of players, under the captaincy of Shane Warne. Former South African International, Jonty Rhodes will assume the role of player/coach. F.I.C.A Chief Executive, Tim May Commented… ” Cricket players and their Player Associations around the world have been shocked by the devastation caused by recent events. Many of our members have been on cricket tours to the affected areas, played on pitches that no longer exist and have colleagues, team-mates and friends that have suffered unimaginable personal loss. ” We believe that we have a responsibility to do whatever we can to support other members of our cricketing community and beyond. ” In addition it is necessary for F.I.C.A, its member Player Associations and the players themselves, to ensure that the game continues in good health – both financially and in popularity. In forming the inaugural FICA World XI, we are able to support ICC member countries and the larger community at what is a very difficult time. ” The Series will give us the opportunity to raise valuable funds through related charitable activities and ensure that New Zealand has international cricket at the height of its summer.” May believes that the FICA World XI will become a regular part of International cricket, fulfilling both charitable and developmental roles in the game. May also acknowledged the cooperation of other ICC member countries releasing players from domestic and other commitments to play in the series, particularly Cricket Australia which has moved back a full round of their domestic competition to allow players to represent the F.I.C.A World XI. FICA World XI Tsunami Appeal To Be Backed By Brit Insurance The match and appeal fund received a significant boost when UK based general insurer, Brit Insurance, donated £ 100,000 in sponsorship. Brit’s team sponsorship is in aid of the Tsunami appeal for the Sri Lanka Cricket Relief Fund. F.I.C.A hopes that many of the other commercial ventures that normally support world-wide cricket will be equally generous. F.I.C.A intends that net profits from the sale of its sponsorships will benefit the stricken Asian territories. Neil Eckert, CEO Of Brit Insurance Said ” Brit, helped by the generosity of its clients and employees, intends to donate substantially to the appeal fund. We have immediately committed £ 100,000 to enable this event to take place. F.I.C.A’s commitment both to the appeal fund and to international cricket is fantastic, and we are certain that the generosity of the New Zealand public and the global broadcast audience will further boost the appeal.” The Inaugural F.I.C.A. World XI To Participate In The Series Is… Shane Warne (c)Sanath JayasuriyaMuttiah MuralitharanKumar SangakkaraChaminda VaasGraeme HickNick KnightAndy FlowerHeath StreakMichael BevanAndy BichelMatthew ElliottIan HarveyJustin LangerLance Klusener Jonty Rhodes (player / coach) The Three National Bank One Day Internationals Are As Follows Sat 22 Jan Jade Stadium Christchurch 12 pm Mon 24 Jan Westpac Stadium Wellington 2 pm Wed 26 Jan Westpac Park Hamilton 2 pm Notes To Editors The Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) was established in 1998 to co-ordinate the activities of all national players’ associations which protect the interests of professional cricketers throughout the world. It brings together all of the world’s cricketers, regardless of nationality, religion, political persuasion or race, under an international body focuses on matters of general interest to the game and its players. Its member associations include – Australian Cricketers’ Association, New Zealand Cricket Players’ Association, Professional Cricketers’ Association (UK), South African Cricketers’ Association, Sri Lankan Cricketers’ Association, Zimbabwean Players Association, West Indies Players’ Association Brit Insurance Holdings PLC is a UK-based general insurer. It is a lead sponsor of the Professional Cricketers Association (PCA) and sponsor of Surrey County Cricket Club and the Brit Oval. www.britinsurance.com For Further Information Contact Tim May at the Australian Cricketers’ Association Phone: (613) 9828 0700 Mobile: 61 402 321 730 Heath Mills at the New Zealand Players AssociationPhone Mobile 64 27 289 0092 Richard Bevan at the Professional Cricketers’ AssociationPhone Mobile +44 7860 474767 Phil Wolski at Brit Insurance Holdings PLC Phone: (44) 20 7984 8500