Virat Kohli to represent Asia XI against World XI
Bangladesh will be hosting two T20I matches between the Asia XI and World XI next month. BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has sent the names of skipper Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami, Shikhar Dhawan and Kuldeep Yadav as the four Indian players to feature in the side. The matches is to celebrate the 100th anniversary of their founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Here's more.
The four players will represent India in Asia XI side
"Ganguly sent in the names to the BCB after we checked on the availability of the players. Kohli, Shami, Dhawan and Kuldeep will represent us in the Asia XI team. It has been a while since we sent the names because the Bangladesh board needed the list from BCCI to be able to prepare the Asian squad," a source said to IANS.
BCCI was reluctant to see Pakistani players feature
Earlier, speaking to IANS, BCCI Joint Secretary Jayesh George made it clear that there won't be a scenario of both India and Pakistan players featuring in an Asia XI side. This prospect wouldn't arise because the message is that there will be no Pakistan players invited. However, later on the PCB quashed the statement and said their players will not be available.
Pakistan players not participating because of PSL 2020: PCB
"The T20Is between World XI and Asia XI were scheduled from March 16-20, while the Pakistan Super League 2020 is set to end on March 22. Since dates of both the series couldn't be changed, we offered our regrets to the BCB, both verbally and in writing, which they understood and accepted," a PCB spokesperson said.
We are looking for the best players: BCB president
Speaking on the composition of the squads, BCB president Nazmul Hassan said: "We are looking for the best players among the current lot, and because the games will have international status, everyone will be serious about it." The ICC has given the games official status.
Asia XI vs World XI schedule of the two T20Is
The two matches between Asia XI and World XI will be held at the Shere Bangla National Stadium at Dhaka on March 18 and 21 respectively. Both these matches are set to start at 6:00 PM IST.
