THE International Cricket Council today donated £125,000 to the Bangladesh Relief Fund to help alleviate the suffering caused by a cyclone that hit the country last month.
 

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On behalf of the ICC board the chief executive Malcolm Speed presented a cheque to Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful before the start of the charity Twenty20 match between a Bangladesh XI and a New Zealand XI at Hamilton. All proceeds from Sunday’s match are to help the victims of the cyclone.
 
“The devastation caused in Bangladesh by Cyclone Sidr last month shocked us all,” Speed said. “More than a month on and a huge challenge still faces those tasked with assisting in the rebuilding process. When one of our members is so badly affected in this way, and when we see the great work done by the various relief organisations, it puts what we do into perspective.” he said.
 
“I am glad that the ICC has this opportunity to make a contribution to the relief effort and I applaud the generosity of the people here in New Zealand, who have made their own personal contributions to ease the suffering in Bangladesh.”

On Nov 11 Cyclone Sidr formed in the Bay of Bengal and over the following four or five days tore across Bangladesh leaving behind a trail of devastation. More than 3,500 people were killed and many thousands more were left homeless by the cyclone.
 
The Twenty20 match was the highlight of a day of fundraising activity at Seddon Park for Cyclone Sidr relief efforts. The New Zealand XI included many top cricketers, including former Black Caps captain Stephen Fleming, current players Scott Styris, Peter Fulton and Ross Taylor, as well as potential internationals such as Jesse Ryder and Tim Southee.