Leading players for Yashpal Sharma benefit match

Former Indian cricketer Yashpal Sharma has been allotted a benefit match by the Board of Control for Cricket in India. The match will be held at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali on April 26.

``I am grateful to the PCA for helping me in this venture,'' said Yashpal, who figured in 37 Test matches and 42 one-dayers. He was one of the heroes of the World Cup 1983 winning team. The gritty right hand middle order batsman, now 45, scored 1606 runs (33.45) in Test matches with two centuries and nine half centuries. His highest score was 140 against England at Madras in 1981-82. In the one dayers, he scored 883 runs (28.48) with four half centuries and his highest score was 89 against West Indies in the 1983 World Cup.

Top stars of Indian cricket will be seen in action in the day/night match. Lauding Yashpal's contribution, Kapil Dev said, ``our commitment to the match is 100 per cent. We would like to help senior cricketers in India and we want to come in big numbers to make such matches a success. It is a lifetime experience for a player to get a benefit match.''

Describing Yashpal as a very gutsy batsman, Sachin Tendulkar said: ``It will be an honour to play in his benefit game. I am looking forward to be part of it. He has made a big contribution to Indian cricket, especially in the 1983 World Cup and now trains the Uttar Pradesh Ranji Trophy team. Our best wishes are with him.''

Mohammed Azharuddin was glad to be associated with the venture. ``I always found Yashpal a very gutsy, fit and competitive cricketer. I am sure his benefit will be a big success. He has always been very good to youngsters and it will be a privilege to play in his benefit.''

Javagal Srinath also looked forward to playing the game. ``It's always nice to help senior cricketers. By playing this match, we would like to show our appreciation to the man's commitment to the game.''