Last update - 00:00 15/03/2007
Israel youth cricket team to make historic tour of India
By Anglo File Sports Staff
While the world's cricketing powers are engaged in the World Cup, history will be created on Monday when for the first time an Israeli team steps out onto the cricket fields of India.
Fourteen players and three officials will fly out on Sunday night to Mumbai where they will be the official guests of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
"This will be a proud day for all those who have been involved with Israeli cricket over the last 60 years. It will also be just tribute to all the cricketers in Israel of Indian origin who have worked so hard for the benefit of the game here," said Stanley Perlman, the chairman of the Israel Cricket Association.
Perlman added that the close co-operation between the two boards would guarantee the eight-day long adventure would be an utmost success and noted that the trip was the result of the close ties developed between the two countries on the diplomatic front and had the full
backing of the Indian Embassy in Israel.
The Israeli team, which is made up of the nucleus of the U19 side that will take part in the European Championships later this year, is scheduled to play 5 practice games at the famous Wankhede Stadium and at the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) Complex at Bandar Kurla.
The squad will also have special training under the auspices of the MCA which will assist Israeli youngsters in all departments of the game.
"This is an amazing opportunity for cricket in Israel as all the youth on this trip will receive a cricket education as well as playing on the sacred grounds in Mumba, said Perlman.
"On behalf of the Israel Cricket association I wish to thank the Pesident of the BCCI, Minister Sharad Pawar, the Vice President Mr. Lalit Modi, the Secretary Mr. Niranjan Singh and Prof. RS Shetty, CAO, for all their efforts in getting this tour off the ground. I would also like to extend an official invitation to the BCCI to tour Israel later this year."