India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has deemed himself unavailable for the Hurricane Relief T20 between West Indies and the ICC World XI. The match is scheduled to take place at the Lord’s on Thursday (May 31).

The 24-year-old was added to the World XI squad alongside Dinesh Karthik, on April 25. Mohammad Shami has been named in the World XI squad to replace compatriot Hardik Pandya. Adil Rashid has also been added to the 12-man squad.

Previously, Bangladesh Test and T20 captain Shakib Al Hasan pulled out of the game citing personal reasons. Pandya has ruled himself out due to a viral infection.

Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi had also withdrawn from the squad on May 17, but confirmed his participation again on May 19. He will make a brief return to international cricket through this match after more than two years.

The charity match has been organized to raise funds to rebuild and restore five major venues in the Caribbean island by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

The venues include 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.

 

ICC World XI