MS Dhoni, Sehwag, Lara Pad up For Injured British Soldiers

British Prime Minister David Cameron (Centre) poses with Mahendra Singh Dhoni and several other past and present international cricketers at a reception at Downing Street in London.

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The who’s who of world cricket will descend on The Oval in London on Thursday for a T20 match whose proceeds will go for the Help for Heroes Foundation in the United Kingdom. The Foundation takes care of wounded British soldiers. (Click here for latest Cricket stories)

India’s ODI captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be part of the Heroes team that will be managed by David Gower and Michael Holding. Dhoni’s team will be led by former England captain Andrew Strauss. Virender Sehwag, Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi and South African ace Herschelle Gibbs will be part of the star-studded line-up.

Dhoni told SKY Sports: “I am delighted to be joining so many cricketing superstars supporting such a worthy cause. I’ve always enjoyed playing cricket in England and I would urge all sports fans to support Help for Heroes and watch some truly world class performers in action.”

British Prime Minister David Cameron (R) is presented with a cricket shirt by retired English cricketer Andrew Strauss.

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Dhoni is expected to be named India’s ODI and T20 captain on Sunday when the national selectors pick the squads in Bengaluru for the upcoming home series against South Africa. There have been reports in the media that Virat Kohli, India’s new Test captain, could be made in-charge of the limited overs team for sake of continuity till next year’s ICC World T20 in India.

For now, Dhoni’s mind will be on the star-studded fundraiser. On Wednesday, the players were hosted by British Prime Minister David Cameron at 10 Downing Street. Cameron will be at The Oval too during the match that will be preceded by a Twenty20 match between the Help for Heroes Cricket Club and the England Physical Disability Team.

British Prime Minister David Cameron (L) meets retired West Indies cricketer Brian Lara.

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Brendon McCullum will lead the Rest of the World team that will be managed by Sunil Gavaskar and Gary Kirsten. Matthew Hayden, Graeme Smith, Mahela Jayawardene and Brian Lara will be part of McCullum’s team. Afghanistan’s Shapoor Zadran is also in the Rest of the World team.

For 20 British Pounds a ticket for an adult, this mouth-watering match is a great opportunity to see cricket’s best stars in one massive canvas.