World XI series to help build villages

How much could the newly announced series between the New Zealand cricketers and a World XI be worth?

Maybe a village, say organisers.

Hard on the heels of this week's $15.3 million charity game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground comes news that New Zealand Cricket will make a specific contribution to the Sri Lankan relief effort during the three one-dayers.

NZC chief executive Martin Snedden said yesterday that a substantial proportion of the disaster-relief funds raised during the World XI series would be directed towards Sri Lanka Cricket's village reconstruction programme.

Dubbed Cricket-Aid, the Sri Lankan initiative has already provided emergency relief for four camps of displaced victims, and ultimately hopes to construct permanent housing for 200 families and orphans.

The four "cricket villages" - as they are known - have been earmarked for Killinochi in the north-east, Ampara in the east, Matara in the south and Kalutara on the west coast.

According to reports from internet site Cricinfo, each village will include 50 individual two-bedroom homes with access to clean water, a proper sewage system, electricity, schools and various other community facilities.

As for the houses, the cost to build on government-approved land has been estimated at US$5000 ($7160), and Sri Lanka Cricket intends to have the first settlements ready in eight months.

Mr Snedden said it was not unrealistic to hope the fund-raising during the three World XI matches - in Christchurch, Wellington and Hamilton on January 22, 24, and 26 respectively - might raise enough to pay for one of the villages.

The appeal received an early boost yesterday when British-based general insurer Brit Insurance donated £100,000 ($270,000) in sponsorship.

Said Mr Snedden: "It might be a pipe-dream but we're off to a pretty strong start, and it's something to strive for."