New Zealand to stage Twenty20 fundraisers

New Zealand Cricket will hold two Twenty20s on December 23 to raise funds for Bangladesh, which has been hit by cyclones. An invitational Masters XI including past international players will face New Zealand Under-19s and a New Zealand XI will play Bangladesh as part of their tour for three ODIs and two Tests.

"Cyclone Sidr caused an incredible amount of damage, suffering and death in Bangladesh," New Zealand Cricket's chief executive Justin Vaughan said. "The Bangladesh team's tour of New Zealand provided an excellent opportunity to do something for the people of the country. All profits from the day will go to World Vision's Bangladesh relief efforts."

Stephen Fleming, who will captain the New Zealand XI team, said it was important to players that they support the Bangladesh team. "Five million people have been affected by the cyclone," he said. "Many have lost their homes. A quarter of a million livestock have been killed and more than 142,000 acres of crops completely lost." The Twenty20s will be held following Bangladesh's three one-day warm-ups against provincial sides.