Participation Of India Players In Asia XI vs World XI Series In Doubt

The participation of Indian players in the much-anticipated series between Asia XI and World XI is in doubt in the wake of coronavirus outbreak. Bangladesh will host the T20Is to celebrate the 100th birthday of their Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The games are scheduled to be played in Dhaka on March 21 and 22 as a part of the celebrations.

But in the wake of the outbreak, the BCCI has decided to review the situation and would take a call accordingly. The development comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh on March 17 was put off after the Ministry of External Affairs received formal notification from Bangladesh earlier this week. A few days ago, Bangladesh confirmed the first three cases of the coronavirus which forced the government to change its plans.

The latest turn of events has put a big question mark on the Asia XI-World XI series too. The BCCI is also in no mood to take any risk and has decided to review the situation before taking a final call on the players’ participation in the series.

“Players from western countries are also scheduled to participate. With regard to our players’ participation, we’ll review the situation and take a call accordingly,” BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal told The New Indian Express.

“In my knowledge and as of now, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has not officially intimated the BCCI in this regard. Anyway, whoever is dealing with the issue must be keeping a close watch on the developments,” he added.

Earlier this month, Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hassan Papon had informed media about the schedule, World XI squad and Indian players’ availability for the series. He claimed that Indian quartet of Rishabh Pant, Shikhar Dhawan, Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav will play both the games.

The BCB president also expressed a possibility of KL Rahul featuring in one of the two matches. The news outlet also quoted a BCB official saying that as of now, the series is on.

“As of now, the series is on. Obviously, the government’s decision will be final but so far we haven’t received any official communique from it,” the BCB official said.

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