CRICKET enthusiasts are hosting a special match to raise funds for flood-relief emergency aid in Pakistan. 

Selsley Cricket Club will be opening its grounds in Stroud to play a T20 match with the Pak Bristolians Cricket Club.

Tony Raybone, president of Selsley CC, said the idea was proposed at the club’s recent annual general meeting. 

He said: “Everybody wanted to help. We’ve seen on our televisions that the floods in Pakistan are a monumental catastrophe of Biblical proportions. 

"Millions of people face not just starvation but disease. The local farmers – and I’ve been farming all my life – might eventually be able to go back to their land, but there will be nothing there. The soil has been washed away.”

Mohammed Razaq, secretary of the Bristol Club, said members, as well as others from the local community, had responded to the idea of a fundraising match with instant enthusiasm.

He said: “It’s the first time floods of this magnitude have happened in Pakistan. 

“This is a direct result of global warming. 

"Pakistan is responsible for just 1 percent of worldwide carbon emissions, yet it’s in the list of the top five most impacted countries.

"We must do all we can to help the victims of this unprecedented disaster."

Extremely heavy rainfall in Pakistan has resulted in catastrophic flash flooding leaving one-third of the country underwater.

According to local authorities the death toll has surpassed 1,200, with over 12,500 injured and millions displaced.

The cricket match on Sunday, September 25 will start at 1pm and entry is free with parking available in the lower field of the club grounds, GL5 5JS.

All members of the public are invited to the match. 

A mix of Pakistani and English food and refreshments will also be available. 

Donations are welcomed with 100 per cent of monies raised sent directly to charities working on the ground in flood-hit areas of Pakistan. 

For more information, contact Mohammed on soundrazaq@hotmail.com

Donations can also be made to PAK Bristolians Cricket Club, sort code 30-94-80; account number 00847448.