Kenyan cricket team in Rochdale

Sports and Community Festival featuring the Kenyan international cricket team at Rochdale Cricket Club

Sport For All (a local community group) is bringing international cricket to Rochdale; with the Kenya Cricket Association and Friends for Kenya they will host a reception for the Kenyan Cricket team on Saturday 19 July 2008.

The following day as part of their preparation for the 20/20 international qualifiers in August, the Kenyan Cricket team will play against a ‘SFA Select XI’ at Rochdale Cricket Club. The SFA select XI will comprise of  international cricketers and players from local leagues.

The cricket match will coincide with a community event at the Rochdale Cricket Club where people can enjoy a variety of activities including bouncy castles, face and henna painting, etc.

Mohammed Nazir on behalf of SFA explains: “We have made this a free event to encourage families and young people to attend. It is a unique opportunity for those who enjoy cricket to watch an international team play in the town.

Surinder Biant, the Chairman of Friends For Kenya commented: “I sincerely hope the people of Rochdale come and enjoy what promises to be a fun day out for everyone."

Councillor Mohammad Sharif, the portfolio holder for community cohesion, has pledged his support for the project. He commented: “It is not often a national cricket team visits Rochdale. Our town has beacon status for community cohesion and it is therefore a great privilege to have the national team of Kenya visiting our town.

"I hope the weather is good and we enjoy excellent cricket and a fun day out.”

Rochdale Cricket Club on Monday 21 July 2008 have organised an international X1 to play Kenya in a 50/50 over match.

• Venue: Rochdale Cricket Club, Bridgefold Road, Rochdale
• Time: Event starts at 11am, (doors open at 10.30am)
• Access: Minibuses to and from the cricket club from 10.30pm on Bulwer Street, Rochdale
• Cost: Free