November 08 Friday 2002
Asia to take on Rest of the World in Power Cricket on Jan 25 

LONDON: Power Cricket is all set to enthrall the fans with Asia taking on the Rest of the World under roof and lights at Millennium Stadium, Cardiff on weekend of January 25-26, 2003. Back in October, Rest of the World side beat The Brits, skippered by England captain Nasser Hussain, in each of two 30-over matches to scoop 50,000 in prize money and won inaugural Power Cricket Cup. 

Now they will be regrouping in Welsh capital to seek more glory in New Year when they take on Asia, boasting some of world's greatest one-day cricketers from Pakistan and India. The last time India and Pakistan played Test cricket against each other was in 1999. 

Now cricket fans can look forward to exciting prospect of some of Pakistani giants Wasim Akram, Inzamamul Haq and Shoaib Akhtar teaming up with India's finest players like Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble and Mohammed Kaif. "By combining best talent from Pakistan and India we believe to create mighty force to represent Asian continent in second of our indoor cricket spectaculars in Cardiff," said Philip Pride, of promoters DP Cricket. "Not only that, we will once again be creating a little slice of cricket history by bringing these two cricketing super-powers together." 

More than 12,000 fans turned up to witness European cricket history being made when first indoor match was played at Millennium Stadium. And now organisers are all set to serve up another classic indoor duel. 

"The first games were a huge success with spectators who thoroughly enjoyed all the action and excitement. Our market research showed they travelled from far and wide to come and be entertained in Cardiff," added Co-Promoter Sarah Dunster. 

"There is obviously great demand for this type of cricket. The players, too, really enjoyed experience of playing at Millennium Stadium and taking part in this highly competitive new form of cricket." 

Kiwi skipper Stephen Fleming is lined-up to make a return for Rest of the World, along with fellow New Zealander Nathan Astle. The side will also star key Brits players plus other test and one-day international heroes from England, South Africa, Zimbabwe and West Indies including Courtney Walsh, Andy Flower, Dominic Cork and Glamorgan's own Matthew Maynard. "The reaction from viewers across the world was fantastic. 

There was obviously a high curiosity value to begin with, but everyone was gripped by the time Rest of the World won the match, which went to final ball" said Philip Pride.