England’s Durham University to play cricket in Pakistan

LAHORE: England’s Durham University cricket team will be reaching Islamabad today (Monday) to play six limited overs matches in a fund raising campaign for Imran Khan’s Shaukat Khanam Cancer hospital.

Kamal Alam, who is leading the 13-member side is the only Pakistani expatriate in the team. He made all out efforts to arrange the tour with the cooperation of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and other leading departments of the country which have their own cricket teams. Kamal, 23, is a left-arm medium-pacer.

He said the ‘prime objective’ of the 15-day long tour is to play cricket by taking part in a series of matches, besides joining hands for a noble cause.

"For me it is a great honour to be the captain of the Durham University which has produced a number of sportsmen, including former England cricket captain Nasser Hussain," said Kamal who is studying for his graduation and is deeply impressed with Pakistan’s former pace bowler Wasim Akram.

Following are the team members: Kamal Alam (captain), Lawrence Court (vice-captain), Alex Gordon Martin, Samuel Outram, Harry Baley, James Baley, Will Hodson, Will Bowry, Oliver Boutle, Ben Smyth, Neil Mcilfraith, Luke Wattam and Shamail Khan.

He said the tour will be quite significant for the visiting players as they will be having the opportunity to play against leading departmental teams, besides getting first hand information about Pakistan’s culture and traditions.

"It is the first tour of any British educational institution team — as no such team has visited this country (Pakistan) which has so much cricket talent, as well as the world’s best stadiums and facilities," he said.

The team will open its tour with a match against the British High Commission XI on April 5 (Tuesday) in Islamabad. Following is the detail of the tour matches:

April 5 Match against British High Commission XI in Islamabad. April 7 v Pakistan Army in Rawalpindi. April 8 v Islamabad Club in Islamabad. April 10 v Aitchison College in Lahore. April 11 v PCB Selected XI in Lahore. April 13 v Lahore Country Club XI in Muridke.

"Our team will also be visiting Shaukat Khanam hospital on April 12 and will also take part in some social gatherings to help generate funds for this institution," Kamal said. The team will return home on April 20

If we can do this more regularly, as in english teams coming here and pak teams going there also, then i think in the long run it will benefit us.

What a fantastic move 1st leicestershire, now durham UNI.

Wonder if Cardiff Uni will send a team.

They might to india

That's excellent to see from my local university!!! Good on them and hope that durham enjoy their stay....wish my work would do the same !!!