FOUR MEMBERS of the West Indies team, named earlier this week to tour New Zealand will be participating in a celebrity Twenty/20 cricket match in the West Indies.

The West Indies team sponsors Digicel have named batsman Chris Gayle, fast bowler Daren Powell, and all-rounders Ian Bradshaw and Dwayne Smith to be part of a weekend festival at the Edgar Gilbert Park.

Two other players, Ryan Hinds and Marlon Samuels, have also been selected for the 20-over game which will see St Kitts playing against neighbours Nevis.

In addition to today's match, Gayle, Bradshaw, and Powell will participate in youth coaching clinics for more than 60 young up-and-coming male and female cricketers in both St Kitts and Nevis yesterday, organisers said.

"Raising interest and passion for the game of cricket is crucial for our future success," said Ingleton Liburd, president of the St Kitts Cricket Association.

Liburd added that, as part of the two-day event, the two-island federation of St Kitts and Nevis will be looking to build momentum for hosting first-round matches in the 2007 International Cricket Council's World Cup. (PS)