Monty Panesar To Lead Celebrity XI In Isle Of Wight Charity Cricket Match

Former England cricketer Monty Panesar will captain a Celebrity XI when they take on an Isle of Wight XI in a charity cricket match at Newclose County Cricket Ground this September.

The event, taking place on Saturday 5 September, will see a host of television personalities, sporting figures and entertainment stars descend on Newport for what organisers hope will be one of the Island's biggest charity sporting events of the year.

Joining Panesar in the Celebrity XI are television personalities Calum Best and Dan Osborne, former EastEnders actor Ricky Groves, boxing trainer and Sky Sports pundit David Coldwell, former Wimbledon FC player Kevin Cooper, Tattoo Fixers star Jay Hutton, Love Island's Reuben Collins, Married At First Sight UK stars Steve Springett and John Shepherd, The Apprentice contestant Phil Turner and The Fortune Hotel's Adam Pink.

Organisers say more celebrity names will be announced in the run-up to the match.

Money raised from the event will support the charitable work of Newclose County Cricket Ground, helping to improve facilities and expand opportunities for junior, women's, girls' and disability cricket, as well as wider community programmes across the Isle of Wight.

A spokesperson for Newclose County Cricket Ground said:

"We're incredibly excited to welcome such a fantastic line-up of celebrities to Newclose for what promises to be a brilliant day of cricket and entertainment.

"Most importantly, every ticket sold will help us continue investing in the future of community cricket on the Isle of Wight, creating more opportunities for young people, families and players of all abilities to enjoy the game."

The Isle of Wight Cricket Board is also backing the event.

Its spokesperson said:

"We're delighted to be supporting the Celebrity Charity Cricket Match at Newclose.

"Events like this showcase the spirit of cricket while helping us continue our work providing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities across the Isle of Wight.

"It's set to be a fantastic occasion for a fantastic cause."

Gates will open at midday, with the match getting underway at 1pm.

Visitors can enjoy food vendors, hospitality areas and the chance to meet some of the celebrity players before play begins.

A charity raffle, family activities and on-field entertainment are also planned during the interval.

Newclose County Cricket Ground has a capacity of 2,500 spectators, with tickets now on sale through The Price is Wight.

Early bird prices start from £8 for general admission, while hospitality and VIP packages are also available.