India and Pakistan set for sell-out Kingsmead clash

Excellent ticket sales mean the Group D clash in the ICC World Twenty20 between arch-rivals India and Pakistan at Kingsmead, Durban on Friday 14 September is a sell-out.

The match is scheduled to start at 1800 and Chief Executive Officer of KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Casim Docrat said: "Sales have been good and we are hoping that the weather will be kind to us for this much-anticipated sell-out clash between Pakistan and India.

"The people of Durban have always been keen cricket lovers and will be thoroughly entertained by this format of the game."

Weather-permitting, more than 20,000 fans will get the chance to sample some superb live cricket action on Friday with Mr Docrat confirming no tickets will be on sale at the venue.

But he did have some words of consolation for those supporters not lucky enough to have tickets for the India - Pakistan match.

"The good news for South Africa fans is that the Proteas will play twice here at Kingsmead next week in the Super Eight leg of the tournament," he said.

"Our great ground will once again be the centre of attention and we expect tickets for these matches to sell quickly."

South Africa, with a Super Eight place guaranteed after the West Indies lost to Bangladesh on Thursday, will play at Kingsmead in that stage of the tournament on Wednesday 19 September (starting at 1400) and again the following day (1800 start).

The other Super Eight matches set for the venue are on Tuesday 18 September (1000 start) and the second match of a double-header on Wednesday 19 September (1800 start).

The venue will also stage the second semi-final of the tournament, beginning at 1800 on Saturday 22 September. The first semi-final will be held in Cape Town the previous day from 1300, with the final taking place in Johannesburg on Monday 24 September, Heritage Day in South Africa.

The India - Pakistan match is one of three games that coincide with the ICC Diversity Day on Friday with the others involving Sri Lanka and Kenya (at The Wanderers, Johannesburg at 1000) and Australia and England (at Newlands, Cape Town from 1400).

The idea of the ICC's Diversity Day, the first time it has staged such an event, is to show cricket can captivate and inspire people of every age, gender, background and ability while building bridges between continents, countries and communities.

During each of Friday's three matches there will be a series of activities as well as big screen messages and PA announcements at the venues.

Spectators left disappointed by Thursday evening's Group D wash-out when the match between India and Scotland was rained off without a ball being bowled will be able to claim a refund providing they have a valid ticket.

Details of how to secure that refund will be announced in due course.

The ICC World Twenty20 South Africa 2007 involves 27 matches at three venues - Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg - over 14 days.