BCCI approves Virat Kohli, Mohammad Shami, Shikhar Dhawan and Kuldeep Yadav for Asia XI vs World XI

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will organise two T20 International games in Dhaka between March 18 to 22, to celebrate the birth centenary of the country’s founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. However, the BCB had requested the BCCI to send their top players for the prestigious event. According to the report, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has finalised the names of Virat Kohli, Mohammad Shami, Shikhar Dhawan, and Kuldeep Yadav to participate in the two games for Asia XI side. Moreover, Kohli will lead the Asia XI side as well.

Sources were quoted by media reports as saying, “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.”

This certainly refers that Team India will play with a comparatively young squad against South Africa in the ODI series. Rohit Sharma – who missed the ODI and Test series in recent times in New Zealand due to hamstring injury – is expected to be fit and probability lead the Indian team too. Moreover, there was uncertainty over the involvement of Pakistani players in the Asia XI; but BCCI joint secretary Jayesh George ensured they too were invited for the match.

Jayesh said,

“What we are aware of is that there will be no Pakistan players in the Asia XI. That is what the message is, so there is no question of both countries coming together or picking one over the other.”

BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury said that teams will be decided later for the two games but the matches will be held in the March 18-22 window.

“We are still working on the scheduling and the players’ availability for the games and will make the announcement soon. What I can say is that the games will be played between March 18-22 and we are in constant touch with the BCCI over the availability of the Indian players,” Chowdhury told PTI.

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, who was at the Board headquarters in Mumbai on Friday, said:

“We have not yet finalised the names. We can send four to five players.”

However, a BCCI official further added that the issue was discussed in the Apex Council meeting on Sunday with BCB who wanted Virat Kohli to play both the matches.

“BCB wants Kohli to play in the matches and it is understandable considering he is the best player in the world. Also, they want all India regulars for the game.”

“Since there is a plan that the series will be extended to Ahmedabad, where the third game is proposed at the renovated stadium, the Board is considering BCB’s request,” the official shared.