Big names added for World XI clash

Afghanistan's T20 superstar Rashid Khan has confirmed his involvement in next month's ICC World XI clash with the West Indies in England.

Rashid, the ICC's No.1-ranked T20 bowler and second on the ODI rankings, was today named alongside Bangladesh pair Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal for the Lord's match on May 31, which is being organised to raise funds for stadia in the Caribbean which were damaged due to hurricanes last year.

Shakib, the top-ranked allrounder in ODIs and third in T20Is, and left-handed opener Tamim also join three other Asians who have already confirmed for the match – Pakistan's Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik and Thisara Perera of Sri Lanka.

More big names are expected to be confirmed in the coming days for the ICC World XI side, which is being led by England limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan.

"It is a matter of great honour and pride for me and my country that I have been chosen to support one of cricket's oldest and most loyal members," Rashid said.

"I don't think it will be incorrect to say that a number of cricketers from this and previous generations were inspired and attracted to cricket due to the heroics of the West Indies sides of the 70s, 80s and 90s.

"And if the West Indies are now looking upon us for help, then there shouldn't be a hesitation for even a second.

"Apart from my cricket obligations and responsibilities, the incentive of playing in this great match at the Home of Cricket at the age of 19, with and against some of the best cricketers of this generation, is just too tempting, irresistible and an icing on the cake.

"I urge all cricket fans and supporters to join hands with the match organisers and the players in making 31 May a hugely successful day so that the funds raised from this match can be reinvested into cricket that, in turn, will not only bring the smiles back on the faces of local cricket supporters but will also lead to the resumption of cricket activities in those regions."

The Windies, reigning ICC World Twenty20 champions, are being led by Carlos Brathwaite and the side includes other top names like Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels, Samuel Badree and Andre Russell.

All proceeds from the match are going towards rebuilding and renovating five major venues as well as other community cricket facilities that were damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

The venues that will benefit include the Ronald Webster Park in Anguilla, the Sir Viv Richards Stadium in Antigua, the Windsor Park Stadium in Dominica, the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground in the British Virgin Islands and the Carib Lumber Ball Park in St. Maarten.