Former India skipper Virat Kohli is unlikely to take part in the much-anticipated match between Team India and the Rest of the World on August 22.
Earlier this month, the government of India had sent a proposal to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to organise a cricket match as part of celebrations to mark 75 years of country’s independence.
According to media reports, the Ministry of Culture had sent the proposal and was in talks with BCCI officials to try and rope in top Indian players as well as popular cricketers from abroad to play the match as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav campaign.
“We have received a proposal from the government to organise a cricket match between India XI and World XI on August 22.
“For a rest of the world squad, we would need at least 13-14 international players and their availability is something that we need to check on,” a BCCI source had told PTI.
Virat Kohli set to miss India XI vs World XI clash:
As of now, there is little clarity over the game. But in case the BCCI manages to conduct the match, one of world cricket’s biggest players Virat Kohli is unlikely to feature in it.
The reason behind his potential absence is the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe. Team India are scheduled to visit Zimbabwe next month for a three-match ODI series.
While the selectors are set to name a second-string side for the series, Virat Kohli is reportedly set to be a part of the squad. As per reports, the selectors want Kohli to play against Zimbabwe and regain his form ahead of the Asia Cup.
The right-handed batsman was recently rested for the upcoming ODIs and T20Is against West Indies. So if Kohli is indeed named in the squad for the Zimbabwe tour, he is set to miss the India XI vs World XI contest. India’s tour of Zimbabwe is scheduled to finish on August 22. On the same day, the government has proposed to conduct the game.