(23 February 2007 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Online marketplace eBay India, and Mandira Bedi have announced the launch of the eBay Cricket Mania campaign.

This is a campaign for the two million strong eBay India community toexpress their support to Team India as they prepare for the World Cup by wearing trendy "Go India Go!" bands in the Indian tricolours and win rare cricket collectibles.

eBay India is donating Rs. 5 to the NGO Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) on behalf of every eBay member who sports the patriotic and colourful bands.

The eBay India Cricket Mania rewards all buyers on eBay India with cricket collectibles through the World Cup. One can shop on eBay India and win cricket gifts. Every buyer who hits a single (completes one transaction) wins a eBay India "Go India Go!" band.

If the buyer scores two runs (completes two transactions), he gets a special 100 years of cricket VCD compiled by David Gower. If the buyer scores 4 runs (completes four transactions), he is rewarded with a cricket ball autographed by Mandira Bedi. For all buyers hitting a sixer or completing six transactions, they get an original Sachin Tendulkar autographed biography - The making of a cricketer.

Bedi said, "I am thrilled to be associated with eBay which is one of the most exciting online brands and the India's leading online marketplace. eBay Cricket Mania gives millions of Indians the opportunity to demonstrate their cricket passion by actively participating in the World Cup campaign and winning rare cricket memorabilia."

eBay India country manager Rajan Mehra says, "At eBay India, we believe in engaging with the youthful online shopper by providing a shopping experience which is fun and exciting. As cricket is the national passion, we wanted to provide an opportunity for the Community to express their support for Team India at the World Cup. The eBay Cricket Mania initiative helps to build on the cricket fervor and additionally supports the noble cause of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists Association."