Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will be organizing two Asia XI vs World XI matches in order to celebrate the 100th anniversary of their founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The two highly-anticipated matches between Asia XI and World XI will be taking place at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka on March 18 and March 21.
As the much-awaited matches are drawing closer with every passing day, fans have been in dilemma with regards to which Indian players will don the Asia XI jersey for the two matches. Earlier, several reports had surfaced which stated that BCCI President Sourav Ganguly had sent names of four Indian cricketers – Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Shami to the BCB.
ALSO READ: India’s Batting Performance Surprised New Zealand Coach Gary Stead
These reports have turned out to be true as the Indian skipper along with Shami, Kuldeep and Dhawan will be traveling to the neighboring country to lock horns against World XI. However, skipper Kohli’s selection is subject to confirmation. However, two Indian additions to the squad are– KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, who will be donning the Asia XI jersey. The Asia XI team has been dominated by six Indians in the squad.
It will be interesting to see how the six Indian players will be featuring in the Asia XI squad as their first match is going to clash with India’s final ODI against South Africa. However, there is a possibility that all the six cricketers will be available for the second encounter that is scheduled to take place on March 21.
ALSO READ: Kapil Dev Criticises India’s Team Selection For Wellington Test
Along with the six Indian players, many eminent players are also a part of the Asia XI squad. Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, and Mushfiqur Rahim will be also donning the Asia XI jersey. Two Sri Lanka veterans– Thisara Perera and Lasith Malinga have also been incorporated into the squad. Three Afghanistan players– Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Sandeep Lamichhane have also been drafted in the squad.
Asia XI Squad: KL Rahul (one game), Virat Kohli (TBD), Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Mohd. Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Liton Das, T Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, T Perera, Rashid Khan, Mustafizur Rahman, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lasith Malinga, Mujeeb Ur Rehman. (Virat Kohli’s selection subject to confirmation)
