Everest base camp. Photo: Ilker Ender
A group of charity fundraisers set off today for a cricket match with a difference.
The game will be played at Everest base camp, at an altitude of 5,360m (17,585ft) between two teams of 11. A further 38 trekkers will swell the party in support of the teams.
Proceeds from the event, which hopes to raise £250,000, will go to the Lord’s Taverners and the Himalayan Trust UK. The match, in the Twenty20 format, is due to take place on 21 April, the Queen’s birthday.
The party set off from Lords cricket ground today with a message of support from Elizabeth II, who wished them ‘the best of luck’.
The 22 players will be split into two opposing teams: Team Hillary and Team Tenzing. They will trek for nine days to reach the Nepalese base camp south of the world’s highest peak. The teams are made up of lawyers, medics and city workers.
The Himalayan Trust UK was set up by Sir Edmund Hillary to help fund education and welfare projects in Nepal. The Lord’s Taverners help young people, particularly from disadvantaged or with physical or learning disabilities, to take part in cricket and other activities.
The Piglit
09 April 2009An ill advised attention seeking excursion to a place once remote and now over used.
The sheer cost of sending all these jolly chaps there could have equalled the dosh they hope to raise.
You don't have to pull a stunt to give to the deserving - really
Denzil Broadhurst
14 April 2009From what I had heard the match will be played at Gorak Shep - one day's trek
short of Everest base camp. Gorak Shep is a flat sandy area with a frozen lake, and is the spot from where you climb Kala Patar (5,643m) - to give a view of Everest. You can't actually see Everest properly from base camp. Base camp is a glacier and glacial moraine, as shown in the photo - definitely not suitable for cricket!
Madhab Basyal
15 April 2009Please can you give me details about this match is this reconiged by ICC pannel. If so what sort of player will be come beside that is there Nepali player is playing or not. If playing who are the player and how many teams are there.
Debbie Hunt
18 April 2009I think this is a great idea, and I know someone who is taking part. The Piglet sounds like a wet blanket who wouldnt put himself out for anyone. Its all very well to say that the money spent on putting this venture together could be given to charity, but people are much more willing to give a donation if they feel you're doing something to deserve it. I know from past experience of doing charity treks, that the more people think you're going to suffer, the more they'll sponsor you. So i wish them all the best and look forward to hearing more about their experience.