Indian duo Pandya and DK join Rest-of-World XI vs Windies
Indian star duo Hardik Pandya and Dinesh Karthik are set to join the ICC Rest of the World XI for a relief T20 tie against West Indies. It will be played at Lord's on May 31. The match is being hosted to raise funds for cricket grounds, which got damaged by hurricanes in the Caribbean. The World XI will be led by Eoin Morgan.
Fixture has been given international status
The one-off T20 has been given international status and is being played to contribute towards the stadiums in West Indies which were hit by hurricane. The money earned will be used for the restoration and renovation of five venues in the Caribbean. The stadiums were hit by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in the latter part of 2017. It is a wise move by ICC.
DK, Pandya join some big names
The duo will be playing in a team that comprises of the likes of Bangladesh stars Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan. Both of them have earned immense respect in world cricket. Besides these two, Pakistan veteran Shoaib Malik will be playing alongside former legend Shahid Afridi. Afghanistan's number one bowler Rashid Khan is in the side besides Sri Lanka's Thisara Perera.
Players bat for Hurricane Relief T20
Afghan spin sensation Rashid Khan stated that he is honored to have been chosen to play against the West Indies, who have contributed immensely to world cricket. He also added, at the age of 19, the chance of playing at Lord's with some big names is just too tempting. Tamim feels the match will further unite cricket and make it a bigger sport.
West Indies squad to face Rest of the World XI
Carlos Brathwaite (captain), Samuel Badree, Rayad Emrit, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Rovman Powell, Denesh Ramdin (wicket-keeper), Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels and Kesrick Williams.