IndiaPost.com - Stage set for LA 20/20 cricket open

LOS ANGELES, CA: The stage is set for the 5th Annual 2007 Los Angeles Open 20/20 Cricket Tournament, widely recognized as the "Premier Cricket Tournament" in the United States, The players and teams will start arriving in Los Angeles from July 10 to compete for the coveted Hamilton Brewart trophy and total cash prizes in excess of US$ 40,000.

This is the best opportunity for cricket fans in California to witness top international stars in action at the wonderful 'Woodley Cricket Fields" where they get to see four matches simultaneously says, Kamal Doshi, member of the organizing committee. 2007 LA Open tournament will host top international teams and players from India, New South Wales, Trinidad & Tobago and throughout the United States.

Last year, 12 teams from around the world, brimming with talent, participated in the lively 20/20 matches. Some of the teams include: Australian All Stars: A team comprising 14 marquee players with four to five former Australian players. Trinidad & Tobago: Having participated all four years, they will be assembling a team four to five players who have played for the West Indies in the past year and four current West Indies A players will participate.

AM International, a business house from India with interests in construction & travel is sponsoring a team comprising players from India & Sri Lanka led by former India Captain Mohammad Azharuddin. Nikhil Chopra, Rohan Gavaskar, Romesh Kaluwitharna, Kumara Dharmasena and Nuwan Zoysa and current Mumbai and Bengal Ranji Trophy players are going to play for this team. Punjab Blues consisting of several International cricketers like Richie Richardson, Stuart Williams and several other first class players from India are going to participate. Bishen Singh Bedi, the former India captain is also visiting Los Angeles and will be on the grounds during this tournament.

The 2007 LA Open will take place at Woodley Park Cricket Fields in Van Nuys, California. This site offers four international class cricket fields in one centralized location. Admission to the tournament at the event will be free of charge to the public.

Major channels from India including Zee, Sony, Aaj Tak and NDTV are sending correspondents, sportscasters and cameramen to cover this event and reports are going to be telecast each day on all of these channels. Ten Sports which also owns "Cricket Plus", a 24 hour cricket channel will also be sending its crew to cover this entire event which they will be televising on their channels all over the world.

Organizers have made arrangements for ample parking and India's Oven, one of the finest Indian restaurants in Los Angeles located on Wilshire Blvd will be catering and selling food. "SCCA Youth Academy which promotes cricket for youngsters based in Los Angeles will be selling water and other soft drinks to raise funds for the various cricket programs that they run" says, Mark Sood the president of Southern California Cricket Association.