The Asia XI vs World XI T20I series that was scheduled to be held in Dhaka to celebrate the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been postponed amid the coronavirus threat.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Nazmul Hasan on Wednesday told reporters that the board is facing problems in organizing the two matches that were to be played on March 21 and 22 and a musical concert featuring AR Rahman before that.
“We had two options in our hand,” Hasan said. “We were supposed to hold a concert on the 18th. We initially had plans to do it on a small scale. But we have decided to do it in a grand manner. That’s why we have decided to defer it for the moment, and not do it on a small scale. It will not take place on the 18th. When the situation improves, we will hold it in grand fashion.”
The Indian players who were given the nod to participate in the series were KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Shami. There were reports that India captain Virat Kohli would also be available for the series but there was no certainty over his participation.
Asia XI squad: KL Rahul (one game), Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Mohammad Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Liton Das, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Thisara Perera, Rashid Khan, Mustafizur Rahman, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lasith Malinga, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Virat Kohli (to be confirmed).
World XI squad: Alex Hales, Chris Gayle, Faf du Plessis (captain), Nicholas Pooran, Ross Taylor, Jonny Bairstow, Kieron Pollard, Adil Rashid, Sheldon Cottrell, Lungi Ngidi, Andrew Tye, Mitchell McClenaghan.
The spread of COVID-19 has impacted sporting events across the globe as football matches in Spanish League, La Liga, would be played behind closed doors for two weeks.
Italy’s competition Serie A has been suspended due to coronavirus outbreak in the country while next week’s Champions League fixture between Barcelona and Napoli will also be played behind closed doors.
