Capital braced for all-star Lashings show

 

(First shown in Gulf News, 26/2/08)

 

 

Abu Dhabi: Cricket fans in the UAE get a chance to see some of the biggest names in the game when the Lashings World XI play two Twenty20 matches, starting today.

With West Indian ace Alvin Kallicharran as manager, the Lashings XI, led by former Pakistan wicket-keeper Rashid Latif, take on Abu Dhabi Cricket Club Chairman's XI at 6.30pm today.

 

Between them, the Lashings World XI have played 471 Test matches and the list of legends includes John Emburey as coach, with Graeme Hick, Philip DeFreitas, Devon Malcolm, Ed Giddins, Chris Silverwood and Adam Hollioake (all from England), Marvan Atapattu (Sri Lanka), Dinesh Mongia (India), Chris Cairns (New Zealand) and Grant Flower (Zimbabwe).

 

"I cannot tell you how bowled over we are at the unexpected surprise that is Abu Dhabi itself and the fabulous and fantastic Emirates Palace, where we are staying," said David Folb, Chairman of Lashings.

 

The Lashings tour is being organised by the Emirates Palace with support from Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, the Zayed Cricket Stadium and Etihad airways.

 

Exciting cricket

 

Emirates Palace General Manager Hans Olbertz said the event could become an annual affair. "Over and above our world-class entertainment shows, Emirates Palace is delighted to be bringing world-class cricket action to Abu Dhabi as our contribution to establishing the capital as major hub of international sporting events," he said. "We are looking forward to some exciting cricket and hopefully in the year to come it will get more exciting."

 

Chris Cairns, speaking on behalf of the visiting stars, said: "We will be playing to win as we would like to keep our pride intact."

 

"Since we last came here in August I just hoped this tour would come to fruition. We hope this is the start of a special relationship," said the big-hitting Kiwi allrounder.

 

ADCC Chairman's XI skipper Saqib Ali, who two days ago slammed a brilliant unbeaten 140 for NMC in the NMC Trophy final, said: "While we will be looking to give a good account of ourselves this match also gives us a chance to learn from these great players."

 

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