Asian XI may not feature Indo-Pak players together in Bangladesh T20s: BCCI

The two official T20 matches scheduled in Bangladesh next March are unlikely to feature Indian and Pakistani cricketers together in the combined Asian XI team that will play the World XI.

The two matches that are part of the celebrations to commemorate the birth centenary of ‘Bongobondhu’ Sheikh Mujibur Rahaman, Bangladesh’s father of nation. The BCCI, though, will release five of its players for the two official games.

Speaking to news agency PTI, BCCI joint secretary Jayesh Georgeon Thursday (December 26) said there were discussions in this regard during the Pink Ball Test in Kolkata.

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“It looks unlikely that India and Pakistan players will feature in the same Asian XI team. It will depend on (BCCI president) Sourav (Ganguly) as he will have discussions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board,” George said.

The T20 matches will be held on March 18 and 21 in Dhaka, a time when South Africa will be in India for an ODI series, the third match of which is clashing with the first Asia XI match.

India and Pakistan have not played any bilateral cricket for the past seven years and compete against each other only at the global or continental meets.

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The relation between BCCI and PCB could turn for worse after Ehsan Mani’s comment that Pakistan is a safer country for touring teams compared to India.

“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,” Mani told reporters in Karachi.

“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 said recently.

(With inputs from agencies)