Tamil Nadu XI, South Australian XI engage in friendly cricket match

Chennai, Sep 6 (ANI): A friendly cricket match was organized here between the Premier of South Australia XI and the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu XI to promote ties between India and Australia.

Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M K Stalin captained the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu XI team, and Member of Parliament Mike Rann led the South Australia XI.

The Chairman of the Selection Committee of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) K Srikkanth also participated in the event and played for Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu XI.

Stalin said this match was aimed at strengthening the ties between India and Australia.

"The importance of this match is that already we have a good relationship with Australia and still it's continuing, and we wanted to make it stronger. So, already we had played these kind of matches, and there had been good results, and we wanted to continue this. That is why match has been organised," said Stalin.

The chairman of South Australian Tourism Committee, Bob Ford, who also played in the match, gave the assurance that Australians are non-racists.

"We welcome all migrants to our country. We have no discrimination. We have no distrust. Our relationship with India, with our nation is very strong," said Ford.

"Unfortunately when you have small areas that are sometimes focused on bad influences but majority of the Australians are non-racists and this is part of what we are here for - to strengthen the relationships," he added.

Srikkanth considered the match as an extraordinary initiative by both governments.

"I think it is a fantastic idea, to bridge up relationship between two countries. As you know South Australia and Tamil Nadu, they have been partnering in terms of commerce, trade and every kind of relationship. I think it is a superb initiative by both the governments," said Srikkanth.

The 10-over friendly saw South Australia XI batting first and scoring 37 runs for the loss of four wickets. The Tamil Nadu team scored 39 for the loss of four wickets and won the match. By Jaikumar (ANI)