The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has organized a pair of T20 matches on March 18 and 21 between Asia XI and World XI to honor the 100th anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. A highlight of the series could be the clash between Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, provided the Indian captain is available. Both Kohli and KL Rahul are currently pending confirmation for the first match on March 18, as it coincides with India's final ODI against South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
It could be Virat Kohli versus Faf du Plessis in the Asia XI-World XI two-match T20 series that has been organised by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on March 18 and 21 — subject to the India skipper confirming his availability. The matches will be played to celebrate the 100th anniversary of their founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The BCB is awaiting a confirmation from Kohli as well as KL Rahul for the March 18 game as India are set to play South Africa on the same day in the final ODI of a three-match series at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
According to IANS, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly submitted a list featuring Shikhar Dhawan, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, and Virat Kohli to the BCB. ESPN Cricinfo has since verified that all four players are part of the Asia XI roster, which also includes KL Rahul and wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant.
As was widely anticipated, the Asia XI squad contains no players from Pakistan. This aligns with previous statements from BCCI Joint Secretary Jayesh George, who informed IANS that no Pakistani cricketers would be invited to participate.
The Asia XI roster consists of: Virat Kohli (Captain), KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Shikhar Dhawan, Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Thisara Perera, Rashid Khan, Mustafizur Rahman, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lasith Malinga, and Mujeeb ur Rehman.
Asia XI: Virat Kohli*, KL Rahul*, Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Shikhar Dhawan, Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Thisara Perera, Rashid Khan, Mustafizur Rahman, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lasith Malinga, Mujeeb ur Rehman