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

As the world is bracing itself to witness the much-anticipated encounter between Asia XI and World XI, squads of both the teams have been announced ahead of the T20 series. Both the sides are slated to play T20s at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium on March 18 and March 21 in order to commemorate the 100th anniversary of their founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

With Indian players dominating the Asia XI squad with six individuals, World XI will be intimidated by four West Indies stalwarts. Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard and Sheldon Cottrell have been incorporated into the World XI squad.

Along with Chris Gayle in their batting arsenal, World XI will be bolstered by the likes of Alex Hales and former South African skipper Faf du Plessis. The Proteas skipper will also be captaining the World XI squad. New Zealand’s Ross Taylor, who etched his name into the record books recently by playing his 100th Test, has also been drafted in the squad’s middle-order. Another Kiwi player Mitchell McClenaghan will also be a part of the World XI side.

Tom Moody will be the coach of World XI

England’s Jonny Bairstow is also slated to don the World XI jersey along with his compatriot Adil Rashid. The bowling force of World XI will be steered by the likes of Sheldon Cottrell, Lungi Ngidi, Andrew Tye and Mitchell McClenaghan. Australia’s Tom Moody has been assigned as the coach of the squad. The World XI is anticipated to post a hefty challenge for Asia XI with their players’ calibre.

Meanwhile, the World XI will also endure a tough task to topple Asia XI due to their star-studded lineup. Six Indian players– Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav are expected to mount a challenge in front of the World XI squad. Along with six Indian stalwarts, the Asia XI will also be strengthened by the likes of veterans– Lasith Malinga, Tamim Iqbal, Thisara Perera and Mushfiqur Rahim. Asia XI will also possess a robust spin bowling force in the form of– Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Sandeep Lamichhane.

World XI Squad: Alex Hales, Chris Gayle, Faf du Plessis (C), Nicholas Pooran, Ross Taylor, Jonny Bairstow, Kieron Pollard, Adil Rashid, Sheldon Cottrell, Lungi Ngidi, Andrew Tye, Mitchell McClenaghan

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)