Press Release - Masala back bigger and better

Commonwealth Cricket Masala 2007 is a “Mini World Cup “ annual festival held at on the weekend of April 14-15 featuring a tournament showcasing Sydney’s elite multicultural and indigenous cricketers, an international food fair and worldwide cultural entertainment. The tournament is unique in Australia and features 5 overs per innings, 6 players per side and no LBW’s. The event partners include Cricket NSW, , FoxSports, SBS Radio, The Indian, Bankstown Council, Bankstown Sports Club, Milo, Dilmah Tea and the Community Relations Commission for a Multicultural NSW.

Commonwealth Bank is the title sponsor of the event and Geoff Coates, Executive General Manager - International Financial Services is looking forward to the second year. "The Commonwealth Bank strongly supports all forms of cricket in Australia, from grass roots to the world champion Australian One Day team. Cricket Masala is another opportunity for the Bank to widen its support of cricket", said today.

The 6-A-Side tournament features high quality, fast paced cricket with players from over 26 communities including Pakistan, , , Bangladesh, Fiji, Assyria, Afghanistan, China, Indonesia, Laos, Fiji, Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Germany, Portuguese, Czech, NZ Maori, NZ, Aboriginal, Russia, Native American and West Indies.

India will this year be captained by Lisa Sthalekar who was the of the Rest of the World team that triumphed in last year’s event. Sthalekar, who was born in and was recently voted the Australian International Women’s cricketer of the year, is delighted to have the chance to test her skills against the men again. “Lasty year was intense but a lot of fun and I am looking forward to playing again”. Her NSW Breakers teammates will also get the opportunity to play in the event and will face off against the boys in the Saturday Community Competition.

The organisers of Cricket Masala are delighted that Cricket NSW has agreed to support the Festival as a major partner. CEO Dave Gilbert said “We are thrilled to be a major partner with Cricket Masala and support this exciting event. We share their management’s vision of celebrating the end of cricket season with a Mini World cup and food festival featuring the best cricket, food and music from our vibrant and growing cricket communities.” Teams in the event will also feature a sprinkling of SpeedBlitz Blues players which will ensure that the high standard set last year is maintained. Gilbert added “Our SpeedBlitz Blues players are delighted to participate and may the best team win.”

The SpeedBlitz Blues players to participate as guest players for different communities as follows: ⇒ Tim Lang (India) ⇒ Moises Henriques (Europe) ⇒ Nathan Hauritz (Lebanon) ⇒ (Pakistan) ⇒ Martin Paskal (NSW Aboriginal Allstars) ⇒ Murray Creed (Africa)

Other internationals playing in the tournament include Subroto Banerjee from India, Eddo Brandes and Sibanda from Zimbabwe whilst ex NSW powerhitter Richard Chee Quee will captain the China East Asia team.

The event is organized by Bhavan Australia and Offstick Productions. President of Bhavan Australia Gambhir Watts is excited with the growth of the event “Last year we had 64 sixes hit over the day which was won by Rest of the World against hot favourites the NSW Aboriginal Allstars. This year we have increased the event to 2 days and increased the number of countries participating”. Patrick Skene of Offstick Productions added “This year is special for us as Cricket Masala is happening during the World Cup in the West Indies. To get a slice of World Cup fever bring your family and friends down to Bankstown Oval and we will deliver great food, cricket action, entertainment and fun”

The event is split up into two separate competitions. On Saturday April 14, 2007 the Community Competition will replace the Under 18’s event last year and is made up of the best players from various community competitions in Sydney. The full team list is as follows

1. NSW Tamils League 2. India Sports Club 3. Bangla Gold Cup 4. Combined Universities 5. Sikh Sports Association 6. Afghanistan 7. Pakistan Sports Club 8. Sri Lanka Lions 9. Bankstown Sports Club 10. Sydney Shires 11. NSW Districts Cricket Association 12. NSW Breakers Womens team

The winner of the Community competition will receive a wildcard entry into the Cricket Masala Mini World Cup on Sunday April 15, 2007 with teams as follows:

1. Pakistan 2. Sri Lanka 3. India 4. Bangladesh 5. Bradman Foundation 6. Africa 7. Fiji South Pacific 8. NSW Aboriginal Allstars team 9. Europe 10. China 11. Lebanon/West Asia 12. Community competition Winner

For the spectators there will be an international food fair featuring Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Chinese and Lebanese food and also music and entertainment from the different communities including Bollywood dancers, Bellydancers, Aboriginal dance, and world music DJ. In addition one lucky spectator will win a trip for two to India which is the lucky door prize courtesy of Malaysian Airlines, Taj Hotels and India Tourism – Incredible India. Prizes will also be given out for each successful crowd catch.

For Cricket fans there will be a Cricket fun fair featuring:

⇒ Free Kids Coaching Academy - Learn the fundamentals of cricket at the Free Activate Coaching Academy ⇒ Western Union Kids Academy ⇒ Test your bowling speed in the Milo Speedgun Challenge ⇒ Impala Bat Making demonstration – See a bat made before your eyes ⇒ Play Super Cricket “Test Match” board game ⇒ Play Atari/Xbox International Computer Game challenge ⇒ Cricket Cinema – World Cup highlights and famous matches

Commonwealth Bank Cricket Masala 2007 Fast Facts

Event: Commonwealth Bank Cricket Masala What: A 2 day end of Season festival featuring an international food fair, entertainment and a “Mini World Cup” 6-A-Side tournament made up of the best multicultural and indigenous players in the Sydney Grade competition. When: Saturday April 14, 2007 - Community Competition Sunday April 15, 2007 – Cricket Masala Mini World Cup Where: Bankstown Oval and Grahame Thomas Oval, Chapel Road South and Macauley Avenue, Bankstown (UBD Map 271 Q2, Gregorys Map 399 D2) Cost: Sunday: Adults $5, $3 for Concession, Children and Seniors (Family of 4 for $15) Saturday – free to the public, Tickets : Kingsgrove Sports Outlets (02 9502 4533) Format: The format is thrilling 6-A-Side featuring 5 overs per innings and no LBW’s. Information: www.cricketmasala.com.au or email [email protected] Media/Sponsorship/Stall Enquiries/Player Images Contact : Patrick Skene - M: 0405 406 088 Gambhir Watts – M: 0413 880 881