Indian players' participation in doubt for Asia XI vs World XI series

The coronavirus outbreak is fast threatening taking a toll on the cricket tournaments. There are now doubts over the much-awaited T20I series between World XI and Asia XI in Bangladesh because of the same. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is hosting the games to mark the 100th birth anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

But due to the outbreak, the Bangladesh government had to defer some programmes which has pretty much put a question mark on the T20I series that will feature big names from all over the world. The two matches are scheduled to be played in Dhaka on March 21 and 22. And the BCCI is now also taking stock of the situation since a number of Indian players are set to feature in the series.

“Players from western countries are also scheduled to participate. With regard to our players’ participation, we’ll review the situation and take a call accordingly,” Arun Dhumal, BCCI treasurer, told The New Indian Express.

“In my knowledge and as of now, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has not officially intimated the BCCI in this regard. Anyway, whoever is dealing with the issue must be keeping a close watch on the developments,” he added while speaking on deferment of celebrations in the wake of the medical emergency.

The latest development arose after Bangladesh confirmed the first three cases of the coronavirus. In the wake of those revelations, the Bangladesh government was compelled to change its plans. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the country on March 17 was also put off after the Ministry of External Affairs received formal notification from Bangladesh in this regard on Monday.

Update from BCB President Nazmul Hassan Papon

On Sunday, Bangladesh Cricket Board President Nazmul Hassan Papon had given an update on the schedule, World XI squad and Indian players’ availability for the much-anticipated series. The BCB supremo admitted that the Australian players have not yet confirmed their participation before insisting that Indian quartet of Rishabh Pant, Shikhar Dhawan, Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav will play both the games.

Papon also claimed that there is a possibility of India star KL Rahul featuring in one of the two matches. While the situation does not look promising right now, a BCB official stated that the two-match series is set to go ahead as scheduled. “As of now, the series is on. Obviously, the government’s decision will be final but so far we haven’t received any official communique from it,” the BCB official said.