England cricketers raise quake funds on the golf course by AFP

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Player:	ME Trescothick
Event:	England in Pakistan 2005/06

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DateLine: 5th December 2005

 

England's touring cricketers joined former Pakistani players for an exhibition golf match here Sunday to raise funds for earthquake victims.

 

Led by vice-captain Marcus Trescothick, the England cricketers raised three million rupees (50,000 dollars) after playing a 'golf for life' contest at the Royal Palm Beach course.

 

"It was fantastic to play golf for a noble cause and since we arrived here after the tragic event we have tried our best to contribute," said Trescothick.

 

Pakistan's massive October 8 earthquake, measured at 7.6 on the Richter scale, left over 80,000 people dead and made over three million people homeless.

 

The England team had donated 10 million rupees (100,000 pounds) after visiting the injured at an Islamabad hospital soon after their arrival in late October.

 

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer and former Pakistan captains Zaheer Abbas, Aamir Sohail and Salim Malik also featured in the exhibition match.

 

Lahore Club's English golf director Jeremy Frankel said the shirts signed by England and Pakistan cricketers would be auctioned next week to raise more funds.

 

"When we invited the England team their manager Phil Neale appreciated the idea and instantly gave his approval," said Frankel, an Englishman.

 

England, who lost a three-Test series 2-0 on Saturday, now meet Pakistan in the five one-dayers.

 

The first match begins here on on December 10.

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)