LONDON, CMC – Highly-rated all-rounder Shakib-al-Hasan has pulled out of the ICC World XI squad but exciting teenaged Nepal wrist-spinner, Sandeep Lamichhane, has been included for the Hurricane Relief Twenty20 International at Lord’s later this month.
The ICC announced yesterday that Shakib had withdrawn for “personal reasons”, with his replacement expected to be named soon for the star-studded May 31 contest.
However, Lamichhane has been called up for the game, less than a week after making his highly publicized Indian Premier League debut.
“I am privileged to have been chosen to be part of the ICC World XI against the Windies. It is an honour for the entire country and passionate followers of Nepal cricket, as well as an indicator that we are making our mark on the international game,” said the 17-year-old.
“Training, sharing the dressing room and playing with some of the trend-setters who we saw on television while growing up is something I look forward to. This is an opportunity for me to learn and improve, and I am committed to cashing in on this.”
He added: “What can I say about Lord’s, it’s the Home of Cricket, it’s a complete history of cricket and a dream venue for any cricketer. To play there in 2016 was a memorable occasion, which I look forward to reliving later this month.
“I hope I will continue to get opportunities in future which, in turn, will help me improve my skills as well as my country to strengthen its position on the world cricket map.”
He will join the likes of Pakistani stars Shoaib Malik and Shahid Afridi, along with Indians Hardik Pandya and Dinesh Karthik, in in the line-up which will be skippered by England white-ball captain, Eoin Morgan.
The World XI will clash with a strong West Indies side which includes Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis and Andre Russell, and will be led by Carlos Brathwaite.
Funds from the match will go towards the repair of five stadia damaged by the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria last September.
