Japan's not known for being a nation of cricket lovers but this weekend cries of "howzat!" will echo around Tokyo as a host of sport stars jet in for a series of charity events.
Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev, England bowler Devon Malcolm and South Africa's Clive Rice will be among the celebrities taking part in the fundraiser, which includes a cricket match, golf tournament and sports dinner. Also on the bill are former England cricket captain Mike Gatting, former Australian spin bowler Ray Bright and South African rugby player Joel Stransky.
Most Japanese remain baffled by the rules and language of the sport, not to mention that games last for up to five days, including many tea and lunch breaks.
The weekend has been organized by the Tyler Foundation, set up by the parents of toddler Tyler Ferris who died in June last year after losing his two-year battle with cancer.
The foundation hopes to raise funds to provide additional medical staff at a Tokyo hospital to improve care for patients and provide better educational and entertainment facilities for children.
RSS