Pakistan legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi has been named World XI captain as England’s Eoin Morgan has been ruled out from the charity match against West Indies due to injury.
Morgan, England’s limited-overs skipper, had initially been set to captain the side. He will be replaced as captain by former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, while Morgan’s compatriot Sam Billings will take his place in the squad.
“It’s a great honour to be leading the ICC World XI side, that too for such a good cause. I’m sure all the players from either side are looking forward to the match with great enthusiasm and people will get to see some high-quality cricket on Thursday.”
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) May 29, 2018
Surrey all-rounder Sam Curran and England fast bowler Tymal Mills have also been added to the World XI squad. Morgan, however, will miss the Twenty20 fixture at Lord’s after chipping the end of his right ring finger.
💥 @SAfridiOfficial will captain @ICC World XI in this Thursday's #CricketRelief match vs @westindies!
Eoin Morgan has had to pull out of the match due to a fractured finger.
🎟?? https://t.co/mAb26Ut0dL pic.twitter.com/rMcH23RGcl
— Lord's Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) May 29, 2018
It is believed the problem will sideline Morgan for seven to 10 days, meaning that he should be fit to play in England for one day international against Scotland at Edinburgh on June 10.
Russell, Gayle, Afridi, Malik, Brathwaite & Khan.
Just a few of the big names playing in the #CricketRelief match between Windies Cricket & ICC World XI at Lord's on Thursday night!
🎟 Grab your tickets now ?? https://t.co/mAb26Ut0dL pic.twitter.com/brmkPVXAdV
— Lord's Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) May 29, 2018