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Indian superstar Sachin Tendulkar is to play for an international XI next week in a fund-raising match for victims of the Pakistan earthquake, the organisers announced on Monday. A star-studded side is due to take on Pakistan in a Twenty20 international here at The Oval on July 10.

Tendulkar, who is easing himself back into action after shoulder surgery, will be expected to open the batting for a side that will be led by Indian captain Rahul Dravid and also include wicket-keeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, as well as the likes of Brian Lara and Muttiah Muralitharan.

The match is being organised by Surrey County Cricket Club, whose Chief Executive, Paul Sheldon, voiced his delight at having secured Tendulkar’s services. “It is fantastic to have one of the world’s greatest batsmen on show for the match,” Sheldon said.

The squad for the international XI also includes three England-based Pakistanis — pacers Azhar Mahmood and Mohammad Akram along with off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq. Proceeds of next week’s match will go to those who have suffered as a result of the quake.

International XI (from): Rahul Dravid (captain), Azhar Mahmood, Mohammad Akram, Saqlain Mushtaq, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wicket-keeper), Sachin Tendulkar, Muttiah Muralitharan, Brian Lara, Chris Cairns, Makhaya Ntini, Andrew Hall and Scott Styris.
Source:The News