PCA announces Masters game against South Africa and return of Zone6 city cricket
The Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) has unveiled its flagship events for 2003 with the PCA Masters taking on South Africa on 6th August and the return of Zone6 City Cricket on 8th August
PCA Media Release
24-Jun-2003
The Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) has unveiled its flagship events for 2003 with the PCA Masters taking on South Africa on 6th August and the return of Zone6 City Cricket on 8th August.
- The Masters, an all-star team of international players assembled by the PCA, challenges the current South African touring side on Wednesday 6th August at Shenley Cricket Centre in Hertfordshire, with a 2pm start.
- Zone6 City Cricket is a fast-paced one-day tournament with star players representing six cities. Teams include Cape Town, Colombo and London. It will take place on Friday 8th August at the County Ground in Hove, Sussex, with a 1pm start.
Allan Donald, the ex-South African fast bowler, will captain the PCA Masters against his former teammates and will also lead the Cape Town side in Zone6 City Cricket.
Heavy emphasis is placed on entertainment at both events, which are sponsored by leading insurance broker Hill House Hammond Insurance Services.
"The Masters are going to become the Barbarians of cricket," said Richard Bevan, group chief executive of the PCA. "The team brings together some of the best players in the world and then asks them to entertain. It is very rare that so many famous names from the sport are gathered on the same pitch so we're expecting a tremendous match.
"Zone6 City Cricket is a very fast-paced version of the game which is designed to attract new fans. There will be plenty of big names and we will be providing tremendous family entertainment. We pioneered Zone6 two years ago and it has become a highlight of the cricketing calendar."
Donald, nicknamed 'White Lightning', played 72 tests and took 330 wickets before retiring from international cricket in March. His Masters' team-mates will include two former England heroes - Mike Gatting, who played 79 tests and captained his country, and Angus Fraser, who has 46 test caps and is now The Independent's cricket correspondent. The South African XI will be selected from their 2003 touring squad, which includes stars such as Jacques Kallis, Shaun Pollock and Herschelle Gibbs.
The PCA Masters game will be a fast-flowing version of the traditional one-day format with both sides bating twice and each innings limited to 20 overs.
Former Sri Lankan batsman Aravinda De Silva will captain Colombo in the Zone6 event and also play for the Masters against South Africa. Current Sri Lanka test players, including batsman Mahela Jayawardene, fast bowler Chaminda Vaas and wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakkara, will also be representing Colombo.
Zone6 City Cricket, which will be televised on Sky Sports, includes revised cricketing rules to provide greater entertainment with parts of the boundary divided into 'zones' where a traditional four scores eight, a traditional six scores 12. Each innings is limited to eight overs. Selected players will be equipped with mini-microphones and earpieces to provide insight while the game is in progress.
Proceeds from both matches will go towards the PCA's benevolent fund. BBC 5 Live sports reporter John Roder will supply ball-by-ball commentary at both games.
The Shenley Cricket Centre is located on Radlett Lane, in Shenley, which can be easily reached from both the M1 and M25 motorways.
The County Ground is located on Eaton Road in Hove, East Sussex. It is 10 minutes walk from Brighton rail station.
More information about the events will be posted on the PCA's website www.cricnet.com
Tickets for both events - available from Ticketzone on 08705 321 3231 or on the gate on the day - cost £10 for adults and £5 for under-16s and OAPs. Corporate hospitality packages are also available at £99 per person plus VAT and anyone interested should call Lee Atkins at the PCA on 0207 544 8670