Sunbury hosts charity cricket match in memory of heroic Pakistan officer

THE brother of an Australian Federal Police officer based in Pakistan has organised the Fayyaz Sumbal in Rupertswood.

Groundsman called James Caruana (right) is organising a charity cricket game on March 9th at Rupertswood Cricket Club in support of Pakastini Terrorism victims - Fayyaz Sumbal Cup. James with Rupertswood cricket player Nathan Shoesmtih (left). Picture: Kylie Else

RUPERTSWOOD in Sunbury is credited as the birthplace of the Ashes and the world sport’s most enduring sporting rivalry.

But a cricket game on Monday is all about building a flame of hope.

The Fayyaz Sumbal Cup has been organised by Salesian College groundsman James Caruana, brother of Australian Federal Police member Danny Caruana based in Pakistan.

Former Deputy Inspector General of Balochistan police, Fayyaz Sumbal was killed in a suicide bombing in August last year. Picture: supplied

The specialist policeman was a colleague and friend of Fayyaz Sumbal, who lost his life when he jumped on a suicide bomber when he spotted the terrorist at a funeral for a policeman in Balochistan in August 2013.

Mr Sumbal’s actions were described as heroic — he saved not only the police inspector targeted in the attack, but the lives of dozens more.

In response to the tragedy, James Caruana and his three Australian-based brothers organised the first Fayyaz Sumbal Cup, which was held last year and raised money for Balochistan Police Welfare Fund.

A second game was held last month in Lahore which raised money for Khyber Pakthunwa Police’s welfare fund and now James Caruana is organising the first Fayyaz Sumbal Cup match in Australia.

“I travelled to Pakistan last year and it was life-changing,” he said.

“By and large it is a fascinating place and lovely people.”

Mr Caruana said any cricket game was a symbol of hope for a country which has been unable to host top-flight international cricket since 2009.

“Any cricket game played is a step forward and 100 per cent of funds we raise goes to supporting victims of terrorism,” he said.

The two games held in Pakistan involved former test cricketers, police and Australian embassy officials.

So far more than $10,000 has been raised from the games.

On average, one policeman is killed daily in the line of duty in Pakistan.

The Sunbury version of the event is set to include music, a barbecue and local sporting talent.

The 20/20 game is at Rupertswood Cricket Club on Monday, March 9, at 2pm.