World's top players to join fight against AIDS

The world's top cricketers will join the fight against Aids during the 2003 Cricket World Cup in South Africa.

Dr Ali Bacher, executive director of the tournament, has proposed that at least four gala charity banquets be staged in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria to raise money for charity. International teams playing in those areas would attend along with foreign and local dignitaries.

The International Cricket Council welcomed Dr Bacher's request when he raised it with world cricket administrators in London last week.

It is planned that the banquets will be held during the initial stages of the tournament during February 2003 and that money raised would be directed at worthy causes - with Aids a major priority.

"The 2003 Cricket World Cup is the only global sporting event that will be held in South Africa this decade," said Dr Bacher on Monday. "It is a great opportunity therefore for the South African cricket team to be joined by their international counterparts in making a meaningful contribution to society.

"The World Cup goes way beyond cricket. It is a means to empower previously disadvantaged people in South Africa by way of creating job opportunities and transferring skills and knowledge. In keeping with this commitment, the cricketers will play a big role in supporting charity."

Dr Bacher said it was likely that a trust would be formed to administer proceeds from the charity banquets.

Banquets will staged in the four cities two days before group matches involving high profile teams. For example, if India are due to play Australia in Durban, both teams would make themselves available for the fund-raiser 48 hours ahead of the game.