Asia XI vs World XI | No Pakistani players in Asia XI, says BCCI

Bangladesh Cricket Board are all set to host two T20 matches between Asia XI and World XI to celebrate the birth centenary of ‘Bongobondhu’ Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was the founder of the nation.

The International Cricket Council has granted official status for the two matches and Bangladesh Cricket Board are ready to host it in the month of March. But the current situation between India and Pakistan will not allow players from both teams to be in the same XI; it is either going to be players from India or Pakistan playing in the Asia XI and BCCI are affirmative about that fact.

BCCI are clear on their front that none of the Pakistani players going to be invited for the two-match series and five Indian players will feature in that side.  

“What we are aware of is that there will be no Pakistan players in the Asia XI. That is what the message is, so, there is no question of both countries coming together or picking one over the other. Sourav Ganguly will decide the five players who will be a part of the Asia XI,” BCCI Joint Secretary Jayesh George told IANS as reported by Hindustan Times.

Pakistan Cricket Board Chief, Ehsan Mani, recently took a dig at the Indian government and that made things even worse than before.

“We have proved Pakistan is safe, if someone isn’t coming then they should prove that it’s unsafe. At this time, India is a far greater security risk than Pakistan. No one should now doubt security arrangements in Pakistan after successful Sri Lanka Test series. This is a turning point for revival of Test cricket in Pakistan. Media and fans played an important role in portraying positive image of Pakistan worldwide,” Mani had said.