LONDON, CMC – Indian stars Hardik Pandya and Dinesh Karthik have been named in the ICC World XI for the Twenty20 International against West Indies later this month at Lord’s.
The duo are the latest international players to confirm their participation for the May 31 fixture which will raise funds for five stadiums damaged in the Caribbean during the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria last September.
All-rounder Pandya is a rising star in the game while and wicketkeeper-batsman Karthik is a veteran of 241 T20s, and ICC board member, Giles Clarke, said both would strengthen the international side and enhance its appeal.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for fans of the Indian team to come out and watch these two flamboyant players, who bring both class and star value to what I’m sure will be a memorable match at Lord’s,” said Clarke, who has been coordinating the match.
“People would remember Pandya’s valiant 43-ball 76 against Pakistan in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy last year while Karthik too has played Test cricket at Lord’s.
“He has been in terrific form and recently blasted 29 off eight deliveries and sealed victory over Bangladesh in the final of the Nidahas Trophy with a last-ball six.”
Pandya and Karthik join Pakistanis Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik, Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal of Bangladesh and the Afghan pair of Thisara Perera and Rashid Khan, who have all already confirmed their participation.
The side will be led by England’s white-ball skipper Eoin Morgan.
They will come up against a strong West Indies side which will feature the likes of superstars Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels and Andre Russell.
Test venues the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium in Antigua and Windsor Park in Dominica are among the stadia set to benefit from the funds raised.
