BCCI Set To Announce New India Match For 100 Years Celebration

Rajeev Shukla and Virat Kohli [Source: AFP]The Board of Control for Cricket in India is preparing for a landmark moment as it gets ready to complete a century of existence. With celebrations planned on a much larger scale than a conventional anniversary event, the board is looking at ways to bring together India's cricketing legacy and the global game. As preparations begin, a special cricket fixture is also being discussed as part of the centenary programme, potentially creating a rare spectacle involving some of the biggest names associated with the sport.India XI vs Rest of the World XI match to be organised by BCCIThe BCCI is planning to organise an India XI vs Rest of the World XI match as part of its celebrations marking 100 years of the board, as per Anandabazar Patrika. The proposed fixture could bring together prominent Indian cricketers against a composite side featuring players from different cricketing nations, making it a unique occasion on the calendar.The centenary celebrations themselves have already been approved by the BCCI. The board is planning a year-long programme beginning in December 2027 and continuing through 2028, with administrators keen to give the milestone an international character.Sumit Ghosh @SumitG71 Exclusive ABP report on AGM. #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. #AjitAgarkar unlikely to get extension, BCCi looking for new chairman. #JndianCricket Sep 19, 2026, 2:59 PM Also Read- Travis Head Overcomes Past Demons, Jokes That He Is “Running Out Of Bats”A dedicated committee is expected to oversee the celebrations and coordinate the events. Given the BCCI's contribution to the growth of cricket, the board has indicated that the centenary should not be limited to a single domestic event.However, several details surrounding the proposed India XI vs Rest of the World XI fixture are still unclear. The format, date and venue are yet to be announced by the BCCI. The composition of both teams will also become clearer only once the board finalises the plans.When was the last India XI vs Rest of the XI match played?India have previously faced a Rest of the World XI in limited-overs exhibition matches, with the most recent meeting coming during the 1994-95 season.The first contest was played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on June 1, 1994, in a 45-over day-night match. India posted 263/4, powered by an extraordinary unbeaten 151 from Sachin Tendulkar. Vinod Kambli also contributed 45 as India built a sizeable total.The Rest of the World XI could only manage 198/9 in their 45 overs. Gordon Greenidge top-scored with 81, but India's bowlers kept control of the chase. Anil Kumble took 4/33, while Venkatapathy Raju claimed 3/55 as India secured a 65-run victory.The teams met again at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack, on March 24, 1995. The Rest of the World XI made 229/6 in a 40-over contest, but India chased the target successfully, reaching 230/5 in 37.1 overs to win by five wickets.How have exhibition matches impacted the sport?Exhibition and benefit matches have traditionally offered cricket a space beyond regular international competition. Without the pressure of points, rankings or a bilateral series result, these games have allowed established stars and legends from different countries to share the same field for special occasions.India has been involved in several such fixtures over the decades. Internationally, composite teams have also been used for charitable causes. The 2005 ICC Cricket Relief Match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground brought an Asia XI and ICC World XI together following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, with the event helping raise funds for relief efforts.The BCCI's proposed centenary fixture would therefore sit within a much longer tradition of cricket being used to celebrate milestones, bring players together and create one-off occasions outside the standard international calendar. Also Read- Axar Patel Gets Special Award After India vs Afghanistan T20Is