BCCI eyes India XI vs Rest of the World XI clash to mark 100 years of Indian cricket

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly been planning to arrange a match between the Indian side and the Rest of the World XI to mark the celebration of its 100th anniversary. After the end of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 17, the BCCI stated that its general body started the process for the centenary celebrations in 2028. 

India are currently the champions of the T20 World Cup for two successive editions. Under Rohit Sharma, they ended their ICC trophy drought by winning the 2024 season in the Caribbean before the Suryakumar Yadav-led side won their home T20 World Cup in 2026. 

BCCI explores India XI vs Rest of the world XI exhibition match as part of 2028 centenary celebrations

The centenary will be celebrated through years of programme, starting in December 2027 and continuing through the 2028 season, which marks a landmark milestone in the history of Indian cricket. The reports have claimed that the board has been planning to form a committee for the celebration.

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One of the suggestions being discussed during the meeting was a potential game in the 20-over format between India and the Rest of the World. The blue brigade has been a dominant side in this format, and that potential clash is expected to be exciting for the fans.

The discussions are just at the initial stages, as it remains to be seen how the board plans the celebrations. It will be incredible how they manage the dates of all countries in a packed schedule, along with the Indian Premier League (IPL) in that season.

Has India ever played a World XI? Here's what history says ahead of BCCI's centenary plan

The Indian side is yet to play an international game against the ICC World XI. That increases the excitement even more. Their young side, including Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, will be up against the best and most powerplay-balanced players in world cricket.

The ICC World XI have played a total of nine international games so far, of which one ODI was against the Asia XI in January 2025, three 50-over games and one Test were against the Australian side in 2005, and three T20Is were against the Pakistan side in September 2017.

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They played the three T20Is against Pakistan to check the security conditions in Pakistan, when international cricket was returning to the country. One more T20I was also played against the West Indies in May 2018 at Lord’s.