Yuvraj Singh, Wasim Akram to participate in Bushfire Cricket Bash

Legendary cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Wasim Akram have become the latest stars to confirm their participation for the Bushfire Cricket Bash on February 8. The match will be a part of ‘The Big Appeal’ event which will raise funds to fight the raging bushfires across Australia. The match will follow the women’s T20I between Australia and India and before the Big Bash League final. All proceeds from the events will go to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund.

A star-studded event

Yuvraj and Akram have become the first international players to be drafted for the event. The event is already a star-studded one with a host of Australian legends confirmed for the event. Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne will respectively lead the two teams. Other Australians who will play in the match include Justin Langer, Brett Lee, Michael Clarke, Shane Watson, Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden and Alex Blackwell. Sachin Tendulkar and Courtney Walsh will coach the two sides.

Speaking on his participation, Akram told AAP:

“I would love to be involved in any way I can to raise funds or to help the people in Australia. Before I was married to an Australian, Australia has always been very close to my heart. I feel for Australia; thank God there was rain in the last couple of days and hopefully, that will help. The devastation the Australians have been through, my heart goes out to them.”

More international players could soon follow suit and confirm their participation for the charity match. The venue for the match and the Big Bash final will be decided on January 31st.

Players confirmed: Shane Warne (c), Ricky Ponting (c), Adam Gilchrist, Alex Blackwell, Andrew Symonds, Brad Fittler, Brad Haddin, Brett Lee, Elyse Villani, Grace Harris, Justin Langer, Luke Hodge, Matthew Hayden, Michael Clarke, Mike Hussey, Phoebe Litchfield, Shane Watson, Yuvraj Singh, Wasim Akram.