BLACKCAPS to play FICA XI in National Bank One-day Series

The BLACKCAPS will play a Federation of International Cricket Association's (FICA) World XI in a National Bank three match one-day series beginning in Christchurch on January 22, New Zealand Cricket announced today.

NZC Chief Executive, Martin Snedden, said the matches will provide the public with an exciting cricket series as part of the BLACKCAPS build up to The National Bank Series vs Australia in February.

"It will also provide NZC and cricket in New Zealand with an opportunity to raise funds for victims of the Tsunami disaster, with particular focus on the people of Sri Lanka because of NZC's strong cricketing links with that country.

"We will be in a position to outline those fundraising initiatives later this week."

"Given the devastating effect of the Tsunami on Sri Lanka and Asia, as well as the inclusion of Sri Lankans in the FICA XI, it is appropriate that NZC further supports international efforts by cricketing countries to help raise funds for Tsunami victims," he said.

"Funds raised through the series will be distributed to Sri Lanka Cricket's `Cricket-Aid' and World Vision."

Sri Lanka Cricket's `Cricket-Aid' project focuses on providing immediate emergency relief for Tsunami victims including managing four camps for displaced people and helping to construct permanent housing for 200 families and orphans.

"We have worked with the New Zealand Cricket Players Association, FICA, overseas cricket boards and the ICC to attract an exciting team which will provide the BLACKCAPS with some real challenges.

"Cricket Australia have rescheduled one round of their domestic competition to free up players for the FICA team.

"Sri Lanka Cricket have also been very co-operative," he said.

"The inclusion of Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan, the world's two highest Test wicket takers, in the FICA XI will make for a formidable bowling attack which will test the BLACKCAPS batting line-up," Mr Snedden said.

"It will be exciting to see these two rival bowlers working in tandem in what should be closely fought matches."

Shane Warne has taken 566 Test wickets at an average of 25.62 and 291 ODI wickets at an average of 25.82.

Muttiah Muralitharan has taken 532 Test wickets at an average of 22.86 and 366 ODI wickets at an average of 22.13.

"The series is an important initiative. It will provide the New Zealand public with top quality international cricket in January while providing the BLACKCAPS with excellent preparation for the ODI series against Australia," he said.

"We hope to break even from the series or to run at a manageable loss. It will be expensive to hold but the benefits for the home cricket season and the BLACKCAPS, as well as those who benefit from our fundraising activities, will make the series more than worthwhile," Mr Snedden said.

The matches will be played at:

Please note tickets will go on sale tomorrow, Wednesday 12 January at 9am through Ticketek outlets.

The FICA World XI will include:

Game 1
* Shane Warne (C)
* Andy Flower
* Ian Harvey
* Graeme Hick
* Sanath Jayasuriya (VC)
* Lance Klusener
* Nick Knight
* Muttiah Muralitharan
* Jonty Rhodes (playing coach)
* Kumar Sangakkara
* Heath Streak
* Chaminda Vaas

Game 2
* Shane Warne (C)
* Andy Bichel
* Matthew Elliott
* Andy Flower
* Ian Harvey
* Graeme Hick
* Sanath Jayasuriya (VC)
* Lance Klusener
* Nick Knight
* Muttiah Muralitharan
* Jonty Rhodes (playing coach)
* Kumar Sangakkara
* Heath Streak
* Chaminda Vaas

Game 3
* Shane Warne (C)
* Michael Bevan
* Andy Bichel
* Matthew Elliott
* Andy Flower
* Ian Harvey
* Graeme Hick
* Sanath Jayasuriya(VC)
* Justin Langer
* Muttiah Muralitharan
* Jonty Rhodes (playing coach)
* Kumar Sangakkara
* Heath Streak
* Chaminda Vaas

Please find attached a press release from FICA and a story from the Sri Lanka Cricket website announcing Sri Lanka Cricket's Cricket-Aid programme.