Cricket: Runs mean funds for tsunami relief

The Black Caps will have added motivation to score runs in their upcoming three match cricket series -- every run they score will see $20 donated to tsunami victims.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Phil Goff said the Government would pay $20 per run, $1000 for every four hit and $5000 for every six in the games against a World XI.

"In that basis we expect to contribute, through the government's aid agency NZAID, around a third of a million dollars to humanitarian and relief work for tsunami victims in Sri Lanka via the New Zealand Cricket Tsunami Relief Fund."

Other companies and individuals were invited to do the same.

NZ Cricket chief executive Martin Snedden welcomed the move.

The series will run on January 22, 24 and 26 in Christchurch, Wellington and Hamilton respectively.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Martin Snedden welcomed the move.

"The government is encouraging companies and individuals to sponsor the match in a similar way and we hope that this initiative will create increased momentum around our fundraising efforts," Mr Snedden said in a statement.

"We appreciate the government's support for our fundraising, which when added to the total amount pledged so far, exceeds $600,000."

Mr Snedden that all proceeds from the series would be directed to World Vision and Cricket Aid -- a Sri Lanka Cricket initiative to provide emergency relief and then longer-term housing for Sri Lankan families and orphans.

- NZPA