Delhi BJP MP Manoj Tiwari receives invitation for Inter-Parliamentary Cricket World Cup in England

Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari Tuesday said he has received an invitation to participate in the Inter-Parliamentary Cricket World Cup (IPCWC) scheduled to be held parallel to the ongoing ICC World Cup in England and Wales.

Tiwari, a cricket lover who often takes time out from his hectic political life to play the game, said he will visit England in July to take part in the event.

Conservative Party MP from Deventry, Chris Heaton-Harris has written to Tiwari inviting him to join the IPCWC being hosted by him in conjunction with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) which will run concurrently with the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.

The tournament to be held from July 8-15 will feature teams from the legislative assemblies of India, England and Wales, Pakistan, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Australia, Afghanistan and South Africa, Harris said in his letter to Tiwari, who is also the North East Delhi MP.

"This tournament presents a wonderful opportunity to build on India-United Kingdom relations through the power of sport.

"I am sure you will agree that sport has the power to change lives and we are hoping to use cricket as a platform for wider engagement," Harris said in his letter to Tiwari.

In the letter, Harris stated that a series of events are planned on the sidelines of the tournament. The Speaker of the House, John Bercow will host the MPs from participating teams in Speaker's House at the Palace of Westminster for the official tournament draw on July 8.

Foreign Secretary of UK, Jeremy Hunt, will host an evening of 'cocktails and canaps' for the teams on the evening of July 10, the letter stated.

"Number 10 (official residence of British Prime Minister) is supportive of the project and have agreed for the Prime Minister to host a reception and screen the (ICC) World Cup final, in the Rose Garden in Downing Street on July 14," Harris added.

The Indian team at ICC World Cup will play its first match against South Africa on Wednesday. The first match of World Cup was played between England and South Africa on May 30. Final match of the cup will be played at Lord's in London on July 14.