Shakib, Tamim in World XI

Two of Bangladesh cricket's most accomplished and celebrated names have been selected to take part in the ICC World XI to play the West Indies on March 31 in a T20I at Lord's. An International Cricket Council press release informed yesterday that Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal have confirmed their participation for the event organised to raise funds for stadia in the Caribbean which were damaged due to hurricanes last year.

It is Tamim's second match in World XI colours at the famous London ground, having earlier played for Rest of the World against the MCC in July 2014. He also has happy memories of the historic venue in Test whites, as he struck a spectacular century there on Bangladesh's tour of England in 2010.

"Cricket is a sport which unites people, bridges gaps, and in which players and teams support each other," Tamim said in a statement on the ICC website. "This match is a testament to this statement and I am delighted to have been chosen to once again represent the ICC World XI for a cause which will only make cricket a bigger and better sport.

"The West Indies' contribution to the global game is unmatched and unparalleled, and if the cricket fraternity can get together to play a small role in the rebuilding of their damaged venues following last year's hurricanes, then this is a very small price with hugely positive results.

"Playing at Lord's is itself a great honour for any cricketer. My only international appearance there was in 2010, so I look forward to reliving those memories. Playing with and against some of the best cricketers of this era will only make this occasion better and more memorable."

Afghanistan's young leg-spinner and Shakib's current Sunrisers Hyderabad teammate in the IPL, Rashid Khan, was also named in the World XI yesterday. West Indies, the reigning ICC World Twenty20 champions will be led by Carlos Brathwaite and the side includes other top names like Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels and Andre Russell.