New Delhi, December 25: Graeme Smith and Shahid Afridi have joined a host of former stars for the inaugural St Moritz Ice Cricket in Switzerland from February 8-9, 2018.
While Afridi is playing regularly post his international retirement, the two-day T20 event in St Moritz will be Smith's first since featuring in the Masters Champions League in February 2016.
The Event, St. Moritz Ice Cricket has been launched with the aim of establishing and expanding the game to charted territories. Spread this to whole world, Virender Sehwag will face off Shoaib akhtar on Swiss Alps! The game is on 8-9 february in St moritz switzerland. #Icecricket pic.twitter.com/DdIJAG9Xam
— Ice Cricket (@IceCricketCH) December 24, 2017
The other big names confirmed for the event are Virender Sehwag, Mohammad Kaif, Shoaib Akhtar, Mahela Jayawardene, Lasith Malinga, Michael Hussey, Jacques Kallis, Daniel Vettori, Nathan Mcullum, Grant Elliot, Monty Panesar and Owais Shah.
"I don't know what to expect but I am really excited to play in a beautiful part of the world. I hope the event is a huge success," said former South Africa captain Smith.
This Legendary player never drops a single catch, @MohammadKaif one of the best Indian fielder lead India to winning side with his best fielding performance in a World Cup Match. Now he'll be showing those dives again in St Moritz Ice Cricket. Catch him live on 8-9 Feb. pic.twitter.com/eoSSiRgtys
— Ice Cricket (@IceCricketCH) December 23, 2017
On playing against his contemporaries, Smith added: "There are lot of brilliant cricketers involved. I have played against all these guys in international cricket. It will be nice to spend some quality time with them and put up a good show with the cricket."
Organisers VJ Sports have claimed that the event has the approval of International Cricket Council (ICC).
Excitement level is too high in the Legends!!
— Ice Cricket (@IceCricketCH) December 11, 2017
This retweet from Legendary Batsman Mr. Mahela Jayawardena clearly shows that he is excited to explore Cricket on SNOW! Are you coming to support your favorite player? #Cricketlegend #Mahelajayawardena #Following #Stmoritz #Icecricket pic.twitter.com/O0ubCKFOc7
Players will use the traditional cricketing gear, including the red ball, but will wear sports shoes instead of spikes. The weather is expected to be nice and sunny during the day but the temperatures can dip to as low as -20 degree celsius.
The matches will be played on a matting pitch.
https://t.co/EaLqqwzTAZ Here are your answers from the player who had played the Cricket on Snow in St Moritz, Switzerland and you can answer the last question if you are a true cricket fan. #Pitchspecifications #Truecricketfans #Commentyourguess #Stmoritz #Icecricket #Challenges pic.twitter.com/Qr145HZfzn
— Ice Cricket (@IceCricketCH) December 8, 2017