Cricketing legends Yuvraj Singh and Wasim Akram have been roped in for the charity Bushfire Cricket Bash game on February 8, becoming the first international players to be drafted in for the occasion. This, after Sachin Tendulkar and Courtney Walsh, were confirmed as non-playing coaches for the two teams led by Aussie legends Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne.
The game will raise funds for victims of the bushfires currently hurting Australia will be played after the women's T20 international between Australia and India and before the Big Bash League final.
"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," Akram had told AAP last week.
Justin Langer, Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee, Shane Watson, Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Alex Blackwell, and Michael Clarke are other players confirmed to participate.
Steve Waugh and Mel Jones will also be involved but in a non-playing capacity.
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.
Coaches: Sachin Tendulkar, Courtney Walsh
Non-playing capacity: Steve Waugh, Mel Jones, Andrew Johns
(Inputs from AAP)
