The Brit Oval has staged several Charity Cricket matches in the last few seasons, including a Tsunami Relief game in 2005 and 2006’s Pakistan Earthquake Relief game: the latter raising over £250,000.

Established in 2005, the objective of the Oval Cricket Relief Trust is to assist areas of the world affected by natural disasters, especially in regions where cricket is a major part of people’s lives. The charitable projects usually revolve around cricket, as a way to introduce normality back into people’s lives.

One such project in Tsunami-affected Sri Lanka is the Surrey Cricket Village. Built on 14 acres of converted ‘bush’, the Cricket Village is home to 40 new houses and a large cricket field, which is used by the village and surrounding communities. Further down the Sri Lankan coast is the Surrey-supported Seenigama Oval in the Hikkidua area, where a new cricket ground and a sports hall have been built for the local community.

In addition, five cricket grounds are currently being built in earthquake-hit Northwest Pakistan; all linked to specific clubs and schools. Finally, in Grenada, the St Moritz Pavilion has been rebuilt following the hurricane of 2005.

Currently there are plans for another Charity Game in 2008. More details will follow soon.

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