The reigning Twenty20 Champions of English Cricket, Middlesex Panthers, will go head-to-head with the reigning Champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Rajasthan Royals (RR), in a first for the champions of the two countries. The Twenty20 match, which will take place in the early evening on 6th July 2009, is fittingly at the home of cricket, Lord's – and proceeds will go to the British Asian Trust, one of the Prince of Wales' charities.

This match is a true innovation for world cricket, representing the first IPL team to play a match anywhere outside India. It is also a landmark for the history of the game since it could be the last ever appearance at Lord's by one of the game's true legends, Shane Warne.

Shilpa Shetty, the most recent addition to the ownership group of the Rajasthan Royals said: "This is very exciting for the Royals, and for me, given my great affinity for both countries. To be playing the game at Lord's will make it extra special".

Keith Bradshaw, Chief Executive of the MCC said: "It is a great honour to be hosting this competition, and demonstrates the MCC commitment to globalizing our brand and venue"

"After the disappointment of not being able to play the Champions League last year it is fantastic that the 2008 Twenty20 Champions of England and India can play such a match", said Vinny Codrington, Chief Executive of Middlesex County Cricket Club, "The fact that the game will benefit such a worthy charity is tremendous bonus."

"Thank you to all the partners for making The British Asian Trust the beneficiary of such an exciting match. The Trust aims to bring together communities to support worthwhile grassroots charities in South Asia.  The funds raised through this match and future games will make a significant contribution to this cause", said Hitan Mehta, Director, The British Asian Trust.

The game will indeed feature some of the real stars of the Twenty20 game, and on the pitch will be international cricketers from England, Australia, South Africa, India and Pakistan.

The Panthers will be led by their captain Shaun Udal and his squad will include Tyrone Henderson, Owais Shah and Murali Kartik – all of whom will be playing in the IPL this season.  In addition to captain Shane Warne, the Rajasthan Royals will include Graeme Smith, Morne Morkel, Dimitri Mascarenhas as well as an array of Indian stars.

Lalit Modi, Chairman and Commissioner of the Indian Premier League said  "This is yet another milestone in the international development of the IPL. We have shown this year that the IPL truly has global appeal, and for one of our teams to be playing at the 'home of cricket' in front of the wonderfully passionate British fans is very exciting. Moreover, we have a serious commitment to charity, and the association with the British Asian Trust is most welcome."

Manoj Badale, Chairman of the Rajasthan Royals said "This is a great opportunity for the Rajasthan Royals to expand our fan base in the UK, and to showcase the great international talent in the team, and on a personal note, I am especially pleased that the British Asian Trust will be benefiting from the event."

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