The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning an exhibition match between India and a World XI as part of its centenary celebrations in 2028, according to reports. Notably, plans for the centenary celebrations were discussed during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Mumbai.
India have enjoyed a strong run in ICC tournaments in recent years, winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup. They also reached the 2023 ODI World Cup final. The Men in Blue have never played an official match against a World XI side.
BCCI Plans Year-Long Centenary Celebrations From December 2027
The BCCI is planning year-long celebrations to mark its 100th anniversary, with the programme expected to begin in December 2027. The celebrations could include a marquee India vs Rest of the World XI match.
According to an ABP report, the BCCI wants the centenary programme to be held across various centres in India, with the proposed exhibition match potentially serving as the highlight of the celebrations.
"BCCI planning to organise India vs Rest of the World match to celebrate centenary, which comes in December 2028. But celebration to run for 1 year in all centres," a report by ABP read.
The proposed match could face a scheduling challenge. The 2028 T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand is scheduled from October 21 to November 19. However, India are also expected to travel to Australia for the next Border-Gavaskar Trophy in December 2028.
India Yet to Play Official Match Against World XI
India have never played an official international match against an ICC World XI. The ICC has previously assembled composite World XI teams for charity matches and special events involving several major cricketing nations.
The World XI played its first international fixture against Asia XI in January 2005. It then faced Australia in the 2005 Super Series, featuring three ODIs and one Test, before returning for a three-match T20I series against Pakistan in Lahore in September 2017.
The World XI's most recent international appearance came in May 2018, when it faced the West Indies at Lord’s in a charity T20I. The match raised funds to help rebuild cricket grounds in the Caribbean that were damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
BCCI World XI Match Plans Still at Early Stage
The proposed Rest of the World XI could feature leading players from countries such as Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, the West Indies, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. The idea would allow the BCCI to bring together some of the biggest international names for a one-off fixture in India.
However, the plans remain at an early stage. The BCCI would need to work with other cricket boards to secure player releases, finalise the international window and determine the venue and format of the match. The availability of international stars would also depend on their respective schedules.
The BCCI is expected to use the committee formed for the centenary celebrations to work through these details. With the programme scheduled to run from December 2027 through 2028, the board has time to finalise the proposed India vs World XI fixture and other events.
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