Lord’s To Host Armed Forces Ist20 Competition

04 Apr 2011

For the fourth year running, Armed Forces cricket will once again be showcased at Lord’s, the Home of Cricket, on 28 June, with the Royal Navy hoping to retain the title of Inter Services Twenty20 (IST20) champions.

At IST20 2011, the Royal Navy will be seeking to repeat their heroics of last year when, having defeated the Royal Air Force off the final ball of their first match, they defeated the Army with Corporal Alvin Pollard stroking the winning runs with only two balls remaining.

Major General Bill Moore, Chairman of Combined Services Cricket, announcing the launch of the event said:

"I am delighted that Marylebone Cricket Club has once again agreed to support this fantastic event. For the players, playing at the Home of Cricket will be one of the highlights of their playing career. But it is also a marvellous day for the supporters and I would encourage people to come along and support their team. Last year’s IST20 was a fantastic success, not least for the thrilling cricket, and we are looking forward to another outstanding day. I am also pleased to announce that we will once again be supporting Help for Heroes. We have also teamed up with the Royal British Legion to help celebrate this great charity’s 90th anniversary."

Keith Bradshaw, MCC Secretary & Chief Executive says,

“The IST20 match is a highlight of the fixture list at Lord’s. We are especially pleased this year that MCC is able to support both the Royal British Legion in their 90th Anniversary year and Help for Heroes with their important fundraising work. I would encourage all cricket lovers to join us at Lord’s on 28th June for what will be an exciting day of cricket. MCC will once again be broadcasting live ball-by-ball commentary of the matches via the Lord’s website. This service enables the public and those serving in our armed forces around the world to log on and support their team from wherever they may be based.”

Bryn Parry OBE, CEO & co-founder, Help for Heroes says:

"Cricket is a quintessentially British sport and so it is a great honour that the IST20 has chosen to support Help for Heroes, a charity that looks after those wounded in current conflicts and has become a very British charity. As a charity, we’ve had great support from the England cricketers, many of whom wore their H4H wristbands during the Ashes, and we are delighted that this support has continued with Forces cricket. So go and do something very British; take your picnic, settle down for some great cricket and support our wounded heroes - this will be a fantastic day out for all the family."

Chris Simpkins, The Royal British Legion Director General, says:

"We are thrilled the Legion is one of the chosen charities supported by IST20. The Legion has taken care of serving and ex-Service people and their families for 90 years and our welfare support is now more important than ever for the Afghanistan generation of the Armed Forces family. The money raised from this fantastic game will help pay for The Royal British Legion Battle Back Centre, a sports and adventure training facility to rehabilitate seriously injured Service personnel and we are grateful for every single donation received. Without such generous public support over 90 years, The Royal British Legion would not be able to carry out its invaluable work every day."

Ticket purchasing and information is available now at www.ist20.com – be one of the first to purchase your tickets and show your support and appreciation. It promises to be not only a great day’s cricket but also a celebration of the Armed Forces.