Indian stars to hit sixes to help rebuild stadiums in Caribbean

INDIA all-rounder Hardik Pandya and wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik will join an ICC World XI for the Twenty20 International against the West Indies at Lords on May 31.

The match is being organised to raise funds for stadiums in the Caribbean damaged by hurricanes last year.

The squad is led by England’s limited overs captain Eoin Morgan with Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik (Pakistan); Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh); Thisara Perera (Sri Lanka); and Rashid Khan (Afghanistan), the other confirmed names in the list of nine so far.

The remaining players will be announced soon.

Giles Clarke, who is supporting the event, welcomed the addition of the two India players, who are currently playing in the Indian Premier League. Pandya is turning out for Mumbai Indians, while Karthik is leading the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Twenty20 tournament.

“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,” Clarke said.

“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,” Clarke added.

The Windies, reigning ICC World Twenty20 champions, are being led by Carlos Brathwaite. Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels, Samuel Badree and Andre Russell are among the other leading cricketers in the squad. – IANS