Dubai: Former England cricketer Sir Ian Botham will spice up the Omega Dubai Desert Classic's Celebrity Challenge match when he joins some leading golfers in the event at the par-3 course of the Emirates Golf Club on February 7.
Sir Ian, whose exploits on the field, especially his 1981 Ashes heroics, have become part of folklore in international cricket, has always been a keen golfing enthusiast, having featured in charity and pro-am events for many years.
"I look forward to coming to Dubai, where I have played a number of friendly rounds. It will be a good opportunity to meet up with friends. I would like to thank golf in DUBAi for their invitation," said Sir Ian, who also endorses the new PowerPlay Golf format.
The Challenge Match will see six marquee players, including Lee Westwood and Fred Couples, team up with celebrities from different fields.
In a glittering Test career spanning 15 years from 1977, Sir Ian played in 102 matches, scoring 5,200 runs at an average 33.54 and taking 383 wickets at 28.40.
A good limited overs player as well, he was a selected Wisden cricketer of the year in 1978.
