NEW DELHI: The central government has sent a proposal to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to organize a cricket match as part of the 75th Independence Day celebrations. The government has sought the BCCI’s opinion and is planning to organize a cricket match between India XI and World XI on August 22. The government has also written to the BCCI in the regard.

The Centre’s plan is to arrange the match as part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations. However, top Indian players as well as popular cricketers from abroad will have to be roped in for the match. “For the world squad, we would need at least 13-14 international players and their availability is something that we need to check on”, said a source. As the English domestic cricket and the Caribbean Premier League would also be underway at the time, the availability of international players remains uncertain.

On August 27, Indian players will leave for Sri Lanka to participate in the Asia Cup. Hence, the match needs to be held before the Asia Cup. The BCCI reckons that the Indian players will show interest as the match is being held in connection with Independence Day celebrations. Meantime, the BCCI is also checking whether there will be any benefit if numerous international players are paid compensation and brought to India, for just one match.