NZC Praises Government Support

New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive Martin Snedden today praised the government's decision to financially support the BLACKCAPS series against the Federation of International Cricket Associations (FICA) World XI.

The government announced today that they would sponsor the series with $20 for every run scored, $1000 for every four and $5000 for every six.

The government expects to donate approximately $330,000 to the New Zealand Cricket Tsunami Relief Fund through this initiative.

"The government is encouraging companies and individuals to sponsor the match in a similar way and we hope that this initiative will create increased momentum around our fundraising efforts," Mr Snedden said.

"We appreciate the government's support for our fundraising, which when added to the total amount pledged so far, exceeds $600,000," he said.

"It has been fantastic to receive this support from the government as well as FICA and The National Bank and the news media who are generously supporting us with coverage of these initiatives.

"There is just over a week to go until the first match and I would encourage any company or individual who would like to contribute to contact NZC in Christchurch," he said.

All proceeds from the New Zealand Cricket Tsunami Relief Fund will be directed to NZC's fundraising partner World Vision and "Cricket Aid", a Sri Lanka Cricket initiative to provide emergency relief and then longer-term housing for Sri Lankan families and orphans.