ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and Indian players would be seen playing together inthe World XI squad.

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya and wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthikjoin an ICC World XI which already has at least two Pakistani stars ShahidAfridi and Shoaib Malik.

The high-profile T20I match would be played against the West Indies atLord’s on May 31, being organised to raise funds for stadia in theCaribbean damaged by hurricanes last year, revealed an ICC press release.

The squad is led by England’s limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan with ShahidAfridi and Shoaib Malik, Shakibal Hasan and Tamim Iqbal, Thisara Perera andRashid Khan the other confirmed names in the list of nine so far.

The remaining players will be announced in the coming days. Giles Clarke,who is supporting the event, welcomed the addition of the two Indiaplayers, who are currently playing in the Indian Premier League. Pandya isturning out for Mumbai Indians while Karthik is leading Kolkata KnightRiders in the Twenty20 tournament.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for fans of the Indian team to come outand watch these two flamboyant players, who bring both class and star valueto what I’m sure will be a memorable match at Lord’s,” he said. “Peoplewould remember Pandya’s valiant 43-ball 76 against Pakistan in the final ofthe ICC Champions Trophy last year while Karthik too has played Testcricket at Lord’s. He has been in terrific form and recently blasted 29 offeight deliveries and sealed victory over Bangladesh in the final of theNidahas Trophy with a last-ball six.”

The Windies, reigning ICC World T20 champions, are being led by CarlosBrathwaite. Star big-hitting opener Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels, SamuelBadree and Andre Russell are among the other leading cricketers in thesquad.