Dhaka: Indian Captain Virat Kohli on Tuesday was named in the Asia XI squad that will take on a World XI side in a two-match T20I series to celebrate the birth centenary of Bangladesh founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The two matches are scheduled to be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on March 21 and 22.
According to Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hasan, Kohli is likely to feature in one game while KL Rahul might also play in one, although there hasn’t been any confirmation regarding their participation.
Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, Shikhar Dhawan and Mohammed Shami are the other Indian players named in the Asia XI team revealed by the BCB on Tuesday.
“We have already received four names from India. We haven’t signed contracts but Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, Shikhar Dhawan and Mohammad Shami are supposed to come and play. They have said KL Rahul and Virat Kohli will play one game each, but that hasn’t been finalised the procedure yet,” Nazmul was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
Nazmul added that Rashid Khan and Mujeeb ur Rahman from Afghanistan, and Lasith Malinga and Thisara Perera will be part of the Asia team, along with Sandeep Lamichhane from Nepal. Meanwhile, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah and Mustafizur Rahman will be the Bangladesh representation in the Asia team, while Liton Das might also feature.
The World XI side, which will be led by Faf du Plessis, includes the likes of veterans like Chris Gayle, Ross Taylor and Kieron Pollard.
Alex Hales too finds a place with fellow countrymen Jonny Bairstow and Adil Rashid.
Nicholas Pooran and Sheldon Cottrell too will travel to Dhaka with Mitchell McClenaghan being the lone representative from New Zealand. The side will be coached by Tom Moody.
The Pakistan players are unlikely to be available for the two matches, with the final of the Pakistan Super League clashing with the second T20I.
“We are uncertain about Pakistan since the PSL (Pakistan Super League) will be ongoing,” Hassan said.
Squads: Asia XI: Virat Kohli (for one game only, subject to confirmation), KL Rahul (for one game only), Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Musfiqur Rahim, Mustafizur Rahman, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Sandeep Lamichhane, Thisara Perera, Lasith Malinga
World XI: Faf du Plessis (c), Alex Hales, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Ross Taylor, Jonny Bairstow, Adil Rashid, Mitchell McClenaghan, Andrew Tye, Sheldon Cottrell, Lungi Ngidi, Kieron Pollard. (UNI)
