Malaysia's MCA Proposes Cricket Fundraiser For Nepal Earthquake Victims

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Cricket Association (MCA) has invited the Nepalese government to organise a fund raising match later this year between the Nepal national team and a World XI team to raise funds for victims of the earthquake. MCA president Mahinda Vallipuram said the Nepal cricket team was a powerful symbol of national unity and has an important role in rebuilding the nation, following the devastation caused by the recent earthquake. "On behalf of the Malaysian people and the association, we would like to extent our heartfelt condolences for the lost that the nation had suffered. The association would like to be the first to register our willingness to assist in the long process of recovery and rebuilding," he said in a statement Wednesday. Mahinda met Nepal ambassador to Malaysia Dr Niranjan Man Singh Basnyat on Wednesday at his office here to present the official invitation to the Nepalese government. Meanwhile, Dr Niranjan said cricket has become an important tool for diplomacy and exchange in the relationship between Malaysia and Nepal. "This is a great gesture, the relationship between Malaysia and Nepal is very close, and in times like these, friendship is important. It will take several years to fully rebuild our country and the proposed match will not only be an important fund raiser for the reconstruction but an important publicity tool once the initial media spotlight shifts," he added. The proposed match is to take place in Malaysia at the Kinrara Oval which is an ODI status ground with facilities to host such a match. The proposed format would be a 50 over day/night match between the Nepal National Team and a World XI made up of several high profile international players, both current and recently retired. All proceeds from the match would be donated to the Nepalese people to assist in the rebuilding process. --BERNAMA