Two legends of West Indies cricket have added their support to the Twenty20 charity match in aid of the Dominica Disaster Relief Fund.
The legendary Clive Lloyd and fellow former West Indies captain Sir Richie Richardson called on fans to support the worthy cause when the game is played on Saturday here.
“As West Indians, we all have to support the match and support the people of Dominica,” said Lloyd, who is now the Convenor of the West Indies Selection Panel.
“It is great to see two regional institutions such as the West Indies Cricket Board and the University of the West Indies coming together to organise such an event, which will benefit the people. It’s good to see they have come together and let’s hope that this can continue and branch off into other projects as well. It’s good that we are playing a game to raise much-needed funds to support people in need.”
The match features the West Indies Cricket Board President’s Celebrity XI against the University of the West Indies Vice Chancellor’s Celebrity XI. First ball at Kensington Oval is 7 p.m.
“The players will look to play their part in making the match something memorable and bring some cheer to the people of Dominica,” said Sir Richie, the current West Indies team operations manager.
“We are hoping that thousands and thousands of people will turn up and support, and those who can’t attend the match will add their support in any way they can. We have to look after our brothers and sisters in Dominica.”
Admission for the event – jointly hosted by the WICB and UWI – is US $10 for adults and US $5 for children under the age of 12, with all proceeds going directly to the Dominica Government to assist with recovery efforts in the island which suffered severe damage to property and loss of life from the passage of Tropical Storm Erika, and continued to be affected by heavy rainfall.
West Indies legend Brian Lara, former Trinidad & Tobago and Manchester United football star Dwight Yorke and Jamaican Olympic medallist Yohan Blake are among the first celebrities to confirm their availability for the match.
New West Indies Women’s captain Stafanie Taylor and teammate Deandra Dottin, as well as UWI Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Hillary Beckles are also expected to make appearances during the match.
The match can be viewed on SportsMax.
Sincere thanks to everyone who helped to make this a reality, from Dominica, the Nature Island of the Caribbean. While we are a bit battered, come visit when you can.
It was really nice to see the crowds last night at the game and especially to see Professor/Sir Hilary Beckles of UWI in action. Well done! Dominica thanks you.
I am touch for the love and generosity you guys have shown.Thanks guys.
Ten million French men and 20 million Windies fans cant be wrong. Thank you to all. We will never for when the Rain Falls it does not fall on one Island/ Country. Let that be a start for the next Country/ Island God forbid, we all hope for the best. Rally round west Indies”.