Pakistan and India consider Twenty20 charity match

Pakistan and India are considering playing a Twenty20 charity match to raise funds for earthquake victims in northern Pakistan. Shaharyar Khan, chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), told Reuters he would be holding discussions with his counterpart Sharad Pawar to finalise a date for the match. "Sharad is due in Pakistan next week. The Indians have conveyed their keenness to play their part in raising funds for the quake victims. "

Khan said if no suitable day could be found in the tightly packed schedule, "we will dedicate the proceeds of a scheduled one-day international (ODI) for the people affected by the quake".

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its players have been active in raising funds for the quake victims. The entire gate money from the first one-day-international between Pakistan and England in the recently completed series was donated to the relief efforts. The PCB has already donated 50 million rupees (US$ 836,505) for the quake victims with the players also contributing a percentage of their matches fees for the next year. The England team donated 100,000 pounds (around 10 million Pakistan rupees) for quake victims and also visited hospitals treating quake victims in Islamabad during their tour.

The earthquake, which occurred on October 8 last year, was among the most devastating in recent time and claimed, officially, over 80,000 lives. Many more have been displaced and with the onset of an abnormally harsh winter, more casualties are expected still.