World Cup players to help fight AIDS

Cricketers will help raise money during the 2003 World Cup to fight AIDS, tournament organisers said in a statement on Monday.

The statement said tournament director Ali Bacher had proposed to the International Cricket Council that at least four gala charity banquets be staged in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria to raise money for charity.

The banquets, which are planned for the early stages of the World Cup, would be attended by players from teams based in those areas.

"Money raised would be directed at worthy causes -- with AIDS a major priority," the statement said.

"The 2003 World Cup is the only global sporting event that will be held in South Africa this decade," Bacher said.

"It is a great opportunity therefore for the South African cricket team to be joined by their international counterparts in making a meaningful contribution to society.

"The World Cup goes way beyond cricket. It is a means to empower previously disadvantaged people in South Africa by way of creating job opportunities and transferring skills and knowledge. In keeping with this commitment, the cricketers will play a big role in supporting charity."

Bacher said it was likely that a trust would be formed to administer proceeds from the banquets, which would be staged in the four cities two days before group matches involving high-profile teams.

Mail Cricket Editor