"Cricket is one of the great things that connects New Zealand and Indian cultures, so we're very excited to be enhancing that connection while inviting Indian students to study in New Zealand," says Robert Stevens, Chief Executive of Education New Zealand.

The organisation has set up a Twenty20 tournament involving five prestigious schools in Delhi with the aim of drawing attention to New Zealand as a destination for Indian students. It is hoped that another tournament will be held in Mumbai later this year.

"We have a growing number of students from India enjoying New Zealand's high quality education and beautiful environment. We're such a sporting nation that our international students often find playing their favourite sport while studying here is a great way to meet locals and make new friends," says Robert Stevens.

There are currently close to 9,000 Indian students in New Zealand, studying everything from hospitality to computer science, biotechnology, business and winemaking. New Zealand has gained a lot of popularity over the past few years as our reputation for high quality institutions and qualifications combined with a safe and friendly environment attracts the attention of Indian students seeking opportunities offshore. Numbers have tripled in just two years.

"Many students in India are not yet aware of New Zealand as an education destination, but that is changing," says Robert Stevens. "This cricket tournament is an opportunity for us to show young people in Delhi what New Zealand is all about." The tournament kicked off on April 8 and will run through to April 16, when the two leading teams will meet to decide the championship. Members of the winning team will each receive a trophy, certificate and full cricket kit.

The schools participating in the Delhi tournament are: Delhi Public School, RK Puram Delhi Public School, Mathura Rd Amity International School, Saket Vasant Valley School, Vasant Kunj Shri Ram School, Gurgaon