International 20/20 Cricket comes to Rochdale

Sports For All (a local community group in Rochdale) is bringing international cricket to Rochdale.

Sport For All (SFA) with the Kenya Cricket Association and Friends for Kenya will host a reception for the Kenyan Cricket team on Saturday 19th July 2008. The following day as part of their preparation for the 20/20 international qualifiers in August, the Kenyan Cricket team will play against a ‘SFA Select XI’ at Rochdale Cricket Club. The SFA select XI will comprise of both International cricketers and players from local leagues.

The cricket match will coincide with a community event where people from all diverse backgrounds, young and old, can enjoy a variety of activities at the Rochdale Cricket Club.

These will include bouncy castles, face and hena painting and such like.

Mohammed Nazir on behalf of SFA explains “We have made this a free event to encourage families and young people to attend. It is a unique opportunity for those who enjoy cricket, to watch an international team play in their town. However, we also hope to have encouraged young people to attend and enjoy several events.

Surinder Biant, the Chair of Friends For Kenya commented “I wanted young people involved and SFA were the right people to help us put this together. I sincerely hope the people of Rochdale come and enjoy what promises to be a fun day out for everyone.

Councillor Mohammad Sharif – the Portfolio Holder for Community Cohesion has pledged his support for this project. He commented “it is not often a national cricket team visits Rochdale. Our town has a Beacon status for community cohesion and it is therefore a great privilege to have the National team of Kenya visiting our town. I hope the weather is good and we enjoy not only excellent cricket but our young people enjoy a fun day out too.”

Rochdale Cricket Club on Monday 21st July 2008 have organised an international X1 to play Kenya in a 50/50 over match. The Entry will be free of charge.

Note: the first 250 young people through the doors are to receive a free gift!

* Venue: Rochdale Cricket Club, Bridgefold Road R/d OL11 5BX
* Time: Event starts at 11am, (doors open at 10.30am).
* Access: Minibuses to and from the cricket club from 10.30p.m. on Bulwer Street – Rochdale – OL16 2EU.
* Cost: Free entry

End of Press Release

For further information please contact Hanief Mohammed SFA Communications officer on 07949 197140.