In order to celebrate the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, the father of the nation in Bangladesh, the country’s cricket council has announced a two-match T20I series between World XI and Asia XI. Indian skipper Virat Kohli has tentatively included in the Asia XI outfit as he is subject to appearing, owing to the strenuous schedule of the Indian cricket team.
Five other Indian internationals have been drafted, namely KL Rahul (one match), Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Mohammad Shami and Kuldeep Yadav. Elsewhere, the likes of Thisara Perera and Lasith Malinga – two stalwarts of the shortest format, and Afghan spinners Rashid Khan and Mujeeb ur Rahman have been called upon. Five Bangladeshi players have also been named in the Asia XI, along with Nepal’s very own Sandeep Lamichhane.
None of the Pakistan players is included in the squads as all the major players are occupied with the 2020 Pakistan Super League.
The World XI is also stacked with match-winners, with the self-proclaimed ‘Universe Boss’, Chris Gayle, headlining the 15-man list that also possesses fellow West Indians Kieron Pollard, Sheldon Cottrell, and Nicholas Pooran. Alex Hales and his compatriot Jonny Bairstow form the English contingent, whereas Zimbabwe’s Brendan Taylor is set to man the middle order. The bowlers include Andrew Tye, Lungi Ngidi and Mitchell McClenaghan.
On Kohli’s availability, BCB president Nazmul Hassan said as per ESPNCricinfo:
“We have already received four names from India. We haven’t signed contracts but Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, Shikhar Dhawan, and Mohammed Shami are supposed to come. They have said KL Rahul and Virat Kohli will play one game each, but that hasn’t been finalized.”
Referring to the World XI roster, he continued:
“I don’t remember all the names, but we will have three or four players from South Africa. Definitely, there will be the same number of players from the West Indies. Australia and New Zealand will be playing but we will try to find some (players). Bairstow is definitely coming. Ngidi is coming. Chris Gayle is supposed to play. Faf du Plessis. We will have some of the best players around. We are uncertain about Pakistan since the PSL is will be ongoing. We will invite some of the cricketing greats.”
The great cause is set to commence with the first of two T20Is on March 18 at Dhaka’s iconic Sher-E-Bangla stadium.
Squads
Asia XI: KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Thisara Perera, Lasith Malinga, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mustafizur Rahman, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Sandeep Lamichhane, Mahmudullah
World XI (Tentative): Alex Hales, Chris Gayle, Faf du Plessis, Nicholas Pooran, Brendan Taylor, Jonny Bairstow, Kieron Pollard, Sheldon Cottrell, Lungi Ngidi, Andrew Tye, Mitchell McClenaghan
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