BCB announces Asia XI squad to face World XI in T20I series

Bangladesh Cricket Board is all set to stage two Asia XI vs World XI fixtures in order to commemorate the 100th anniversary of their founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The two highly-anticipated matches between Asia XI and World XI are slated to be played at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka on March 18 and March 21.

As the much-awaited encounters 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 across the internet suggesting that BCCI President Sourav Ganguly had sent names of four Indian players– Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Shami to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

These reports have turned out to be true as the Indian skipper Kohli along with Shami, Kuldeep and Dhawan will be travelling to the neighbouring country to lock horns against World XI. However, skipper Virat 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 side has been dominated by six Indians in the squad.

Two Afghanistan players are also a part of Asia XI

It will be interesting to see how the six Indian players will be incorporated into 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 players will be available for the second encounter that is scheduled to take place on March 21.

Along with the six Indian stalwarts, many eminent players are also a part of 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.

Two Afghanistan players– Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who have been doing wonders with their spin bowling forte, have also been drafted in the squad along with Nepal stalwart Sandeep Lamichhane.

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)

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