The final squad for the fund-raising Twenty20 International against the Windies at Lord’s on 31 May, has been announced by the International Cricket Council (ICC). International players from 7 different countries have been picked for the ICC World XI, and English cricketer Eoin Morgan will lead the side.
Image source: icc-cricket.com.
The match has being organised to raise funds for the reconstruction of Ronald Webster Park in Anguilla, the Sir Viv Richards Stadium in Antigua, the Windsor Park Stadium in Dominica, the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground in the British Virgin Islands and the Carib Lumber Ball Park in St. Maarten. These stadiums were damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria last year.
From India, swashbuckling all-rounder Hardik Pandya and wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik have been picked. Interestingly, former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi has also been included in the squad, and this will be kind of a comeback for him because the match has been given the status of an official T20I by ICC.
Eoin Morgan said: “It’s a great honour to be leading a side which has a selection of players from a number of nations, and I can’t wait to get on to the field for what promises to be an engrossing contest.
“The build-up to the event on 31st May has been very exciting with new additions announced on a regular basis, and the anticipation has been growing daily. I’m sure all the players, including those of the Windies side, are eager to play at Lord’s. It’s a fantastic feeling that we will be all getting together for a good cause. The cricket fraternity should be very proud that the funds raised from the match will help rebuild the stadia in the Caribbean and also contribute to the growth of the game.”
Mitchell McClenaghan said: “It will be an absolute pleasure to contribute towards a fantastic cause and to help restore damaged stadiums after the devastation caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. This will be a fantastic spectacle and I’m looking forward to participating with a great bunch of guys and look forward to doing those who will benefit from this match proud.”
Luke Ronchi said: “I’m looking forward to being a part of the World XI at Lord’s for the charity match against the Windies on May 31 that will be raising funds to help with the rebuilding of cricket venues which were damaged by the two hurricanes in the Caribbean last year.
“It is all for a worthy cause and it feels really good to see so many cricketers from different countries come together for such a reason. To be playing a match which will see some of the very best in action together is a matter of great pride for me. I’m looking forward to seeing a packed house at Lord’s, supporting the relief effort, and an exciting game of cricket.”
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World XI squad: Eoin Morgan (c), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Mitchell McClenaghan, Hardik Pandya, Thisara Perera, Rashid Khan, Luke Ronchi (wk), Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal.
West Indies squad: Carlos Brathwaite(c), Rayad Emrit, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Rovman Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Andre Russell, Samuel Badree, Marlon Samuels, Kesrick Williams
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