Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, and Thisara Perera to play for ICC World XI

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, along with teammate Shoaib Malik and Sri Lanka all-rounder Thisara Perera, will feature in an ICC World XI side that will take on the West Indies in a charity game on May 31.

The 38-year-old Afridi, who retired from international cricket in February 2017, will make a return for the solitary T20I, a charity game, set to be played at Lord's, that will raise funds for those affected by the hurricanes in the Carribean last year.

Speaking on his inclusion in the side, Afridi said: “I am humbled to have been selected for such a noble cause. Cricket is one big family and no matter how hard and tough we play against each other, there is tremendous comradery within the group. As such, it is our moral and professional obligation to stand up and support whenever and wherever we can, to assist our members, colleagues and cricket fans".

Afridi has previously been part of iconic matches at Lord's, including the 1999 World Cup final and the 2009 World T20 final (that Pakistan won).

Malik, another T20 veteran who made his Pakistan debut way back in 1999, has also confirmed his participation in the one-off game: "It’s a matter of great honour and pride to be selected in an ICC World XI and a wonderful opportunity to play along with and against some of the biggest names in world cricket."

“As much as the chance of figuring in such a select group, I also see this as an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause. We have all heard of the damage caused by the two hurricanes in the West Indies last year and it is really good to see so many cricketers come together for the objective of raising funds to repair the damage to cricket venues."

More names will confirm their participation later this week, against the Carlos Brathwaite-led West Indies side that will also feature the firepower of Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels, and Andre Russell.