Kohli, Pant in Asia squad vs World XI

DHAKA: India skipper Virat Kohli was named in the Asia XI squad, also featuring Rishabh Pant and Mohammad Shami, to take on a World XI side in a two-match T20 International series to celebrate the birth centenary of Bangladesh founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Kohli has been named by the BCB for one match subject to availability, which is yet to be confirmed by the BCCI. The two matches are scheduled to be held on March 21 and 22. “We have already received four names from India,” BCB president Nazmul Hassan said. “We haven’t signed contracts but Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, Shikhar Dhawan and Mohammed Shami are supposed to come. They have said KL Rahul and Virat Kohli will play one game each, but that hasn’t been finalised,” he added.

BCB wants Kohli to be a part of both the T20s but considering the hectic schedule of the India team, it remains to be seen if the maestro makes himself available.

“Kohli’s name has been sent but the call on his participation lies with him and he will take it after due consultation with BCCI president Sourav Ganguly,” a BCCI source told PTI.

A week after the New Zealand tour ends, India will play a threematch ODI series against South Africa beginning March 12 in Dharamsala. The second game is in Lucknow on March 15 and third in Kolkata on March 18. The IPL starts on March 29.

The World XI includes, among others, former South African captain Faf du Plessis, and veteran big-hitters Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard.

Asia XI: KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Shami, Thisara Perera, Lasith Malinga, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mustafizur Rahman, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Sandeep Lamichhane, Mahmudullah.