Dravid to lead International XI in charity match against Pakistan

London, May 17 (UNI) Rahul Dravid will lead an International XI team -- featuring dashing stumper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and West Indian star Brian Lara among others -- in a charity Twenty20 match against Pakistan on July 10 at the Brit Oval in aid of last year's earthquake victims of the sub-continent.

''Surrey County Cricket Club is delighted to announce that on July 10 the Brit Oval will host a Pakistan Charity Match. The match, which will see Pakistan take on an International XI, will raise funds for those affected by the devastating earthquake that struck north Pakistan in October 2005,'' a club statement said here.

Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan will also be a part of the team to be managed by former England wicketkeeper Alec Stewart.

Another highlight of the match would be a guest appearance by England's talismanic allrounder Andrew Flintoff who would be joined by a host of other international stars who will turn out in force to show their support for the cause.

Surrey and the Brit Oval's major sponsors, Brit Insurance have pledged a significant donation to the cause. This donation, as well as all the profits made from the match, will be donated to the President's Earthquake Relief Fund.

''This is a great opportunity to see the World's biggest cricket stars while at the same time raising funds for such a worthy cause,'' Surrey Chief Executive Paul Sheldon said.

The game has been fully endorsed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) who have agreed to allow the whole Pakistan squad to be available for selection for the match.

Tickets will be 20 pounds for adults and 10 pounds for Under 16's and have been put on sale from today for members. The general release of tickets would be on May 30.

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