British High Commission,MEA to play 25-25 over cricket match

New Delhi, Mar 27 (UNI) India and the United Kingdom have embarked on a new kind of diplomacy --on the cricket field to be precise.

The British High Commission (BHC) will go into ''battle'' on the cricket ground against the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a prestigious 25-25 over Cricket match here on Sunday, the British High Commission said here today.

Paul Michael, captain of the BHC team, said the BHC and the MEA have enjoyed a close working relationship for many years.

''We English invented the game of cricket but I have never seen more passion for the game than here in India whether I have been watching or playing myself. The BHC and MEA have a close working relationship which has been enjoyed for many years...,'' he said.

Kuldeep Singh Bhardwaj, Skipper of the MEA Cricket Team said the game is another link in the bonds between the two countries and through this 'cricket diplomacy', both countries try to reaffirm the close relationship between them.

''India and the United Kingdom have age-old and time-tested historical relationship. Use of English language, Westminster system of democracy, judicial system and the game of cricket are some of the common factors which join the two countries. The annual game of cricket between the Ministry of External Affairs and the British High Commission is another link in these bonds and through this 'cricket diplomacy', we try to reaffirm the close relationship between the two countries.'' The match, which is an annual feature, starts at 1000 Hrs and the winners are likely to be decided by 1400 Hrs.

The winning team will be awarded a rolling trophy, which is currently in the possession of MEA when BHC lost the match to them last year.

Cricket links between MEA and BHC are very old but a new dimension was added to them in 2005 by the MEA in the form of a rolling trophy.

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