Cricket equipment � cricket bags � cricket and charity

When you are putting your cricket equipment together in your cricket bag, spare a thought for those less fortunate.

Cricket in Kabul

Cricket has returned to Kabul , with the assistance of the MCC . It responded to a request, from Afghanistan to equip an Afghan XI with cricket kit and bags in the hope that it will prove possible for the team to meet an international peacekeepers' side, to build on the recent success of a similar game of soccer. With massive infrastructure problems and violent clashes continuing, it will take years for a semblance of stability to set in within the country, however, in the five years since the Taleban regime was overthrown, the sport's popularity has soared - more than 2,500 players take part in various leagues - and a glut of talented youngsters have emerged.

Working with the Mercy Corps

When we think about countries such as Sri Lanka emerging from the double tragedies of the tsunami and civil war, we envisage thousands of people needing emergency aid. That may be the case in the first instant, but in the weeks and months that follow, a different kind of support is needed . It's likely that future needs will include psychosocial and educational support for displaced children and also support for rebuilding houses and re-establishing livelihoods. The local Sri Lankan organisations that are so integral to these types of activities will also need to be supported. The Mercy Corps operates a scheme that they call �comfort kits' � providing toys and sports equipment such as soccer balls, Frisbees and cricket kits and bags to children.

Urban cricket

Here in the UK a new cricketing initiative has been launched � Urban cricket. Fronted by Kevin Peiterson and Monty Panesar, Urban Cricket aims to bring the game to many new fans, doling out 60,000 kitbags of cricket equipment to 7 � 12 year olds all over the country. The next phase is to build special Urban cricket arenas so youngsters who haven't played the game before can join forces with those who have. The first arena will open in South London in 2007. Urban cricket doesn't have complicated rules, and is the ideal way to get kids out there and playing.

One man and his bat

In 1996, Jason Barry from Leicestershire in the United Kingdom , set off on a most ambitious odyssey - to play cricket in 100 countries of the world. He packed his cricket equipment in his kit bag and set off for Europe, Africa and China aiming to raise over �50,000 or $100,000 for various charities.

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