The Board of Control for Cricket in India has initiated preliminary discussions regarding a blockbuster fixture between an India XI and a Rest of the World XI as part of its upcoming centenary celebrations. Following its annual general meeting held in Mumbai, the board formally announced that the general council has commenced preparations for the landmark milestone in 2028.
The extensive centenary programme is scheduled to span from December 2027 through the entirety of 2028. This upcoming period marks a profoundly significant chapter in the rich administrative and sporting history of Indian cricket.
Reports indicate that the governing body intends to establish a dedicated oversight committee to supervise and coordinate the wide-ranging celebratory events. Among the various proposals tabled during the recent assembly, the prospective marquee exhibition match against a global lineup captured considerable attention. Nevertheless, current disclosures emphasise that these deliberations remain at a remarkably nascent stage, with the comprehensive blueprint of the festivities yet to be finalised by the board.
An analysis of past international cricket archives reveals that ICC World XI sides have previously featured in a total of nine official international fixtures. The concept first materialised in January 2005 with a solitary One Day International against an Asian XI. Later that same year, in October 2005, a World XI contested three ODIs and a solitary Test match against Australia. Subsequent appearances occurred in September 2017 through a three-match Twenty20 International series played against Pakistan, followed by a standalone T20 fixture against the West Indies hosted at Lord’s in May 2018. Despite these historic global engagements, the senior Indian national team has never previously faced an official ICC World XI side in international competition.