Tag: ICC World Cup 2023

Pakistan’s 15-member squad is likely to receive their Indian visas on Tuesday to partake in the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023, sources told.

According to the sources, the Indian government has issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) of security clearance to the Pakistan team and it has also been received by the Indian High Commissioner.

Consequently, Pakistan’s ICC World Cup 2023 will receive their passports, eligible to travel to India.

Pakistan contingent, as per schedule, will depart from Lahore to Dubai early Wednesday and then travel to Hyderabad, where they will take on New Zealand in their first warm-up fixture of the ICC World Cup 2023.

Earlier on Monday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recorded its protest by writing a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) over a delay in the issuance of Indian visas.

According to the details, the PCB sent a stern letter to the cricket governing body and raised concerns over the ongoing visa debacle and reminded the regulatory body about the Host-Member agreement.

“We have been discussing this issue for three years. No one paid attention to our concerns. And now the situation has gotten to the point where we are yet to receive visas,” the letter stated.

“We are in a state of uncertainty due to ignorance of concerned authorities. We had to stay in Dubai for two days but due to this visa issue, we had to cancel that [trip].

“Whenever we contacted the concerned authority, we were told that the visas would be issued in 24 hours.

“And now, with every passing day, the uncertainty is increasing and it is worrying everyone.”

Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.

Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan

Pakistan’s warm-up matches schedule:

• September 29 — vs New Zealand in Hyderabad
• October 3 — vs Australia in Hyderabad

Pakistan’s schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023:

• October 6 – vs Netherlands in Hyderabad
• October 10 – vs Sri Lanka in Hyderabad
• October 14 – vs India in Ahmedabad
• October 20 – vs Australia in Bengaluru
• October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai
• October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai
• October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
• November 4 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
• November 11 – vs England in Kolkata

The day matches will start at 10:00 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) while all other matches will be day-night fixtures starting at 01:30 pm (PST).

READ: Salman Ali Agha aims to bring ICC World Cup 2023 to Pakistan

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday recorded its protest by writing a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) over a delay in the issuance of Indian visas to participate in the ICC World Cup 2023.

According to the details, the PCB sent a stern letter to the cricket governing body and raised concerns over the ongoing visa debacle and reminded the regulatory body about the Host-Member agreement.

“We have been discussing this issue for three years. No one paid attention to our concerns. And now the situation has gotten to the point where we are yet to receive visas,” the letter stated.

“We are in a state of uncertainty due to ignorance of concerned authorities. We had to stay in Dubai for two days but due to this visa issue, we had to cancel that [trip].

“Whenever we contacted the concerned authority, we were told that the visas would be issued in 24 hours.

“And now, with every passing day, the uncertainty is increasing and it is worrying everyone.”

For the unversed, the Pakistan Men’s team will take on New Zealand on September 29 in their first warm-up fixture of the ICC World Cup 2023 but the Babar Azam-led side is yet to receive Indian visas to participate in the mega event.

According to the details, India subjected visa issuance to Pakistani players and officials with security clearance.

Consequently, Pakistan’s pre-World Cup team bonding trip to Dubai has also been cancelled due to visas delay.

Pakistan’s squad for the World Cup was due to leave for Dubai early next week and stay for a couple of days before flying to Hyderabad, where they are scheduled to take on New Zealand.

However, the Pakistan contingent is now supposed to depart from Lahore to Dubai early next Wednesday and then travel to Hyderabad.

Details further suggested that Pakistan are only one still awaiting visas out of the nine sides travelling to India for the World Cup.

Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.

Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan

Pakistan’s warm-up matches schedule:

• September 29 — vs New Zealand in Hyderabad
• October 3 — vs Australia in Hyderabad

Pakistan’s schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023:

• October 6 – vs Netherlands in Hyderabad
• October 10 – vs Sri Lanka in Hyderabad
• October 14 – vs India in Ahmedabad
• October 20 – vs Australia in Bengaluru
• October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai
• October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai
• October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
• November 4 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
• November 11 – vs England in Kolkata

The day matches will start at 10:00 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) while all other matches will be day-night fixtures starting at 01:30 pm (PST).

READ: Haris Rauf ‘fully fit and upbeat’ for ICC World Cup 2023

Pakistan’s speedster Haris Rauf shared that he is fully fit and ready to shine at the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 in India, commencing on October 5.

Haris Rauf suffered an injury during Pakistan’s Super 4 clash against India at the Asia Cup 2023 and subsequently missed Pakistan’s final Super 4 match against Sri Lanka.

Nonetheless, he was selected in Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the ICC World Cup 2023.

The 29-year-old fast bowler, while talking to the media termed it an honor to represent Pakistan at the World Cup.

“It is every player’s dream to play in the World Cup, it is an honour for me to represent Pakistan at the World Cup,” said Haris Rauf. “I am fully fit and ready to perform well at the World Cup.”

He also shared that fellow fast bowler Naseem Shah will be missed gravely at the World Cup, who also got injured during the match against India, and was ruled out of the ICC World Cup 2023.

“It is a pity that Naseem Shah is not there [at the World Cup],” he added.

Haris Rauf generally comes to bowl at first change, however, he is ready to fill the role of new ball bowler in Naseem’s absence if the situation demands.

“I am ready to perform at any position for the team, be it with the new ball or at the first change,” he stated. “As professionals, it is our job to perform at any position in any condition,”

He also responded to the criticism that Pakistani pace bowlers lack aggression and get relaxed at times.

“We are aggressive as fast bowlers, if anyone thinks that we are relaxed then that is their thinking,” he concluded.

Haris Rauf has represented Pakistan in 28 ODIs and has picked 53 wickets at 24.32.

Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.

Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan

Pakistan’s warm-up matches schedule:

• September 29 — vs New Zealand in Hyderabad
• October 3 — vs Australia in Hyderabad

Pakistan’s schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023:

• October 6 – vs Netherlands in Hyderabad
• October 10 – vs Sri Lanka in Hyderabad
• October 14 – vs India in Ahmedabad
• October 20 – vs Australia in Bengaluru
• October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai
• October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai
• October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
• November 4 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
• November 11 – vs England in Kolkata

The day matches will start at 10:00 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) while all other matches will be day-night fixtures, starting at 01:30 pm (PST).

READ: Mubasir Khan replaces Mohammad Hasnain for Asian Games 2023

All-rounder Salman Ali Agha on Monday expressed his desire to return home from India with the ICC World Cup 2023 trophy.

Salman Ali Agha, who represented Pakistan in 18 ODI matches, amassing 436 runs at an average of 39.63 with the help of three half-centuries, is part of Pakistan’s 15-member squad to participate in the forthcoming ICC World Cup 2023, which will be played in India from October 5 to November 19.

While talking to the media, the 29-year-old all-rounder shared that representing Pakistan in the ICC World Cup 2023 was a dream.

“It was a dream to play the World Cup, which is about to be fulfilled,” said Salman Ali Agha. “I wish that our team returns from India with the World Cup trophy.”

He also stressed the fact that he is working hard to play his role for Pakistan both with the bat and ball.

“I am working hard and will try to play my part in batting and bowling according to the team plan,” he added.

Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.

Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan

Pakistan’s warm-up matches schedule:

• September 29 — vs New Zealand in Hyderabad
• October 3 — vs Australia in Hyderabad

Pakistan’s schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023:

• October 6 – vs Netherlands in Hyderabad
• October 10 – vs Sri Lanka in Hyderabad
• October 14 – vs India in Ahmedabad
• October 20 – vs Australia in Bengaluru
• October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai
• October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai
• October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
• November 4 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
• November 11 – vs England in Kolkata

The day matches will start at 10:00 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) while all other matches will be day-night fixtures, starting at 01:30 pm (PST).

READ: Saim Ayub steers Guyana Amazon Warriors to maiden CPL title

Top order batter Abdullah Shafique has hinted that the Pakistan team is planning to play modern cricket at the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 in India, commencing on October 5.

While talking to the media, the 23-year-old batter expressed his jubilation over being selected in Pakistan’s squad for the ICC World Cup 2023

“I am very happy to be selected in the World Cup squad,” said Abdullah Shafique.

He also shed light on Pakistan’s plan to play modern cricket for the World Cup in India.

“We will play according to plan in the World Cup,” said Abdullah Shafique. “We players and coaches are all ready to play the best modern cricket in the World Cup 2023,”

“As a professional, I am ready to play at any position according to the plan,” he further added.

Upon being asked about the match against India, Abdullah Shafique mentioned that the team is hoping to play good cricket against every team, including India.

“We are going to play the World Cup, and we aim to perform at our best against all teams including India,” he concluded.

Abdullah Shafique has represented Pakistan in four ODI matches so far, including Pakistan’s final Super 4 game against Sri Lanka, where he scored 52 runs off 69 deliveries.

Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.

Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan

Pakistan’s warm-up matches schedule:

• September 29 — vs New Zealand in Hyderabad
• October 3 — vs Australia in Hyderabad

Pakistan’s schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023:

• October 6 – vs Netherlands in Hyderabad
• October 10 – vs Sri Lanka in Hyderabad
• October 14 – vs India in Ahmedabad
• October 20 – vs Australia in Bengaluru
• October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai
• October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai
• October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
• November 4 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
• November 11 – vs England in Kolkata

The day matches will start at 10:00 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) while all other matches will be day-night fixtures, starting at 01:30 pm (PST).

READ: India women’s team strike cricket gold on debut at Asian Games 2023

Pakistani singer Ali Zafar announced on Sunday that he is going to make an anthem for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 amid public criticism over the official anthem titled ‘Dil Jashn Bole’ released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) last week.

Ali Zafar announced the creation of an anthem on his official account on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).

“Hello all, firstly thank you for the love and faith. Keeping in mind your thoughts and wishes for the World Cup cricket anthem, I have an idea on how we can create a masterpiece together. Check out the link below. It’s an exciting experiment that can work wonders if done right. It’s also a chance for new music composers, writers, and producers to showcase their talent in the most democratic way possible. But here’s the best part: creativity knows no bounds, so anyone can share their ideas! So, hear me out and let me know your thoughts. If you have something to share, please provide a link or video. Peace and love,” he posted.

Hello all,

Firstly thank you for the love and faith.

Keeping in mind your thoughts and wishes for the World Cup cricket anthem, I have an idea on how we can create a masterpiece together. Check out the link below.

It's an exciting experiment that can work wonders if done… pic.twitter.com/HqLyJxdSEE

— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) September 24, 2023

Ali Zafar invited ‘new music composers, writers, and producers’ to come forward and showcase their talent to ‘create a masterpiece’.

This announcement came after fans requested Ali Zafar to make an anthem for the ICC World Cup 2023 of his own as the official anthem, which was composed by renowned composer Pritam failed to live up to the hype and met with massive criticism on social media.

READ: Hasaranga, Chameera likely to miss ICC World Cup 2023

Sri Lankan star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga and fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera are likely to miss the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 in India, commencing on October 5.

Wanindu Hasaranga suffered a hamstring injury during the Eliminator game between B-Love Kandy and Jaffna Kings in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) last month.

He was then ruled out of the Asia Cup 2023, and now may require surgery, after aggravating his hamstring tear during rehab over the past few days.

The chairman of Sri Lanka’s medical committee, Arjuna de Silva, hinted that it is highly unlikely for Hasaranga to participate in the ICC World Cup 2023.

“He picked up a grade 2 tear in the LPL, but he re-aggravated it during rehab. It’s now a grade 3 tear. What also complicates the matter is that it is also a T-junction hamstring injury,” said Arjuna de Silva.

“We are consulting foreign doctors to see whether he needs surgery or not. If he does, he will be out for at least three months. At the moment, the situation is not that great and it’s highly unlikely if he can play the World Cup,” he further added.

Meanwhile, Dushmantha Chameera is still currently undergoing rehabilitation for his pectoral muscle injury, even though, he has started to bowl in the nets but is unable to bowl without discomfort.

“Chameera is bowling at the moment but still complains of pain. We have consulted a doctor in the United Kingdom to see how best we could treat him,” Arjuna de Silva said.

Chameera suffered an injury during the World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe and was subsequently ruled out of the tournament, before getting injured against in the LPL, where he was representing Hasaranga-led B-Love Kandy. Subsequently, he was ruled out of the remaining matches of LPL as well as Asia Cup 2023.

However, spin bowler Maheesh Theekshana, who suffered a hamstring injury during Asia Cup 2023 and missed the final against India, is currently undergoing rehab and is expected to be fit in time for the World Cup 2023.

Sri Lanka is set to depart for India on September 26 to participate in the World Cup, however, they are yet to announce their squad.

READ: Pakistan Women’s team lost to Sri Lanka in Asian Games 2023 semi-finals

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday, confirmed the team management for the ICC World Cup 2023 that will be played in India in October and November. 

For this year’s mega event, the PCB confirmed retaining the team management, led by the director of Pakistan men’s cricket Mickey Arthur and manager Rehan-ul-Haq.

Additionally, the coaching staff for the Pakistan men’s cricket team was also retained with Andrew Puttick and Morne Morkel continuing in their roles as batting and bowling coaches, respectively, and Grant Bradburn serving as head coach with Abdul Rehman acting as his deputy.

Pakistan’s ICC World Cup 2023 bound contingent is scheduled to depart for Hyderabad in the wee hours of Wednesday.

Team director Mickey Arthur will join the side by 30 September.

Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.

Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan

Pakistan’s warm-up matches schedule:

• September 29 — vs New Zealand in Hyderabad
• October 3 — vs Australia in Hyderabad

Pakistan’s schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023:

• October 6 – vs Netherlands in Hyderabad
• October 10 – vs Sri Lanka in Hyderabad
• October 14 – vs India in Ahmedabad
• October 20 – vs Australia in Bengaluru
• October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai
• October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai
• October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
• November 4 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
• November 11 – vs England in Kolkata

The day matches will start at 10:00 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) while all other matches will be day-night fixtures, starting at 01:30 pm (PST).

Player support personnel: Rehan-ul-Haq (team manager), Mickey Arthur (Director – Pakistan men’s team), Grant Bradburn (head coach), Andrew Puttick (batting coach), Morne Morkel (bowling coach), Aftab Khan (fielding coach), Abdul Rehman (assistant coach), Dr Sohail Saleem (team doctor), Drikus Saaiman (strength and conditioning coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi (media and digital content manager), Usman Anwari (security manager), Maqbool Ahmad Babri (psychologist), Talha Ejaz (analyst) and Malang Ali (masseur).

READ: Babar Azam can set the World Cup on fire: Gautam Gambhir

Former Indian opening batter Gautam Gambhir picked Pakistan’s all-format captain and top-ranked ODI batter Babar Azam amongst the top batters, to watch out for in the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 in India.

Gautam Gambhir was asked to pick one out of the current top batters — David Warner, Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, Babar Azam, Joe Root and Rohit Sharma — whom he will have his eyes on at the ICC World Cup 2023.

India’s World Cup-winning opener Gambhir replied: “Babar Azam”.

“I think Babar Azam possesses all kinds of qualities that he can set this World Cup on fire,” Gautam Gambhir said.

“I have not seen many players who have so much time to play. Yes, I believe that we have greats like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson and Joe Root, but Babar Azam has a different level of quality,” he added.

.@GautamGambhir will eagerly watch out for @babarazam258's performance this #CWC2023. 👀

Will Babar prove to be the BEST against the rest on the BIGGEST stage?#WorldCupOnStar#Cricket pic.twitter.com/CwccE3r5JI

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) September 23, 2023

After making his international debut in 2015, Babar soon emerged as the top batter for Pakistan and has been ruling the white-ball formats since then, especially ODIs.

Babar’s astoundingly consistent run in the ODIs lifted him to dethrone his Indian counterpart Virat Kohli as the top-ranked ODI batter in April 2021 and was also named the ODI player of the year for two consecutive years.

The right-handed batter has spent around 900 days at the top of the ODI Batting Rankings and is likely to enter the ICC World Cup 2023 as the top-ranked batter with only India’s Shubman Gill being a major threat.

Babar-led Pakistan will start their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on October 6 in Hyderabad, the same venue at which they will play their warm-up fixtures against New Zealand and Australia.

Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.

Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan

Pakistan’s warm-up matches schedule:

• September 29 — vs New Zealand in Hyderabad
• October 3 — vs Australia in Hyderabad

Pakistan’s schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023:

• October 6 – vs Netherlands in Hyderabad
• October 10 – vs Sri Lanka in Hyderabad
• October 14 – vs India in Ahmedabad
• October 20 – vs Australia in Bengaluru
• October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai
• October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai
• October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
• November 4 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
• November 11 – vs England in Kolkata

The day matches will start at 10:00 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) while all other matches will be day-night fixtures, starting at 01:30 pm (PST).

READ: Pakistan team awaits Indian visa to participate in ICC World Cup 2023

LAHORE: The Pakistan Men’s cricket team is yet to receive Indian visas to participate in the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023, scheduled to commence on October 5.

According to the details, India subjected visa issuance to Pakistani players and officials with security clearance.

Consequently, Pakistan’s pre-World Cup team bonding trip to Dubai has also been cancelled due to visas delay.

Pakistan’s squad for the World Cup was due to leave for Dubai early next week and stay for a couple of days before flying to Hyderabad, where they are scheduled to take on New Zealand in the warm-up fixture on September 29.

However, the Pakistan contingent will now depart from Lahore to Dubai early next Wednesday and then travel to Hyderabad.

Details further suggested that Pakistan are only one still awaiting visas out of the nine sides travelling to India for the World Cup.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already notified the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding visa delay as PCB was guaranteed that they would acquire visas in a timely manner.

Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.

Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan

Pakistan’s warm-up matches schedule:

• September 29 — vs New Zealand in Hyderabad
• October 3 — vs Australia in Hyderabad

Pakistan’s schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023:

• October 6 – vs Netherlands in Hyderabad
• October 10 – vs Sri Lanka in Hyderabad
• October 14 – vs India in Ahmedabad
• October 20 – vs Australia in Bengaluru
• October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai
• October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai
• October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
• November 4 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
• November 11 – vs England in Kolkata

The day matches will start at 10:00 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) while all other matches will be day-night fixtures starting at 01:30 pm (PST).

READ: Inzamam-ul-Haq opens up on Hasan Ali selection in ICC World Cup 2023 squad