South Africa announce ICC ODI World Cup 2023 squad

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 in India, commencing on October 5.

The South Africa squad features eight players who will be playing their first ODI World Cup, including captain Temba Bavuma. The other seven players are Aiden Markram, Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Sisanda Magala, and Reeza Hendricks.

Following the announcement of the squad, South Africa’s wicketkeeper batter Quinton de Kock announced his retirement from ODI cricket after the conclusion of the World Cup 2023 in India.

The Proteas Men’s white-ball head coach, Rob Walter, backed the recently-announced squad for the World Cup by stating it is great to have a mix of senior and junior players.

“It’s great having a mix of experienced players and players who will be competing in their first 50-over World Cup – you get that sort of exuberance of excitement to be doing something for the first time,” Walter said.

“Similar to the level of experience, we have endeavoured to curate a well-balanced group of players and skill that will allow us to effectively adapt to the conditions in India,” he added.

https://twitter.com/ProteasMenCSA/status/1698989565283856422

CSA’s Director of Cricket, Enoch Nkwe, also shared his thoughts on the squad announcement: “The World Cup is the pinnacle for every player, no matter what the sport is. As a boy it is something you dream of and I’m sure these players will be all be feeling extremely proud today.

“I would like to congratulate all of them on their selection and I am sure they will represent the Proteas badge with distinction and honour. We have no doubt they will give everything in India and do their best to try and bring the trophy home.”

Although the deadline for submitting the World Cup squad to the International Cricket Council (ICC) is September 5, teams can still make changes until September 28 without requiring ICC’s approval.

After the cut-off date, any changes to the squad will be subject to the approval of the ICC.

South Africa will kick off their World Cup 2023 campaign against Sri Lanka on 7 October at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

South Africa World Cup squad

Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der dussen.

READ: India announce squad for ICC ODI World Cup 2023

India announce squad for ICC ODI World Cup 2023

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday, unveiled a 15-member squad for the forthcoming ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023, scheduled to commence on October 5.

India’s all-format captain Rohit Sharma will lead the hosts in the mega-event, while Hardik Pandya will serve as his deputy.

Top-order batter KL Rahul is included in the World Cup squad after passing a fitness assessment at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru on September 4.

He is expected to join the Indian squad in Sri Lanka to participate in the Super 4s stage of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 after being ruled out of the group-stage matches.

“We had a couple of fitness issues that we had to look at, but all three [Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah and Shreyas Iyer], who had long-term injuries have come through,” India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar said in a press conference.

“KL is looking good. We feel this gives us the best balance to try and do well. With KL, he was part of the camp in Bangalore, he looked really good there, has got over his niggle. He played a couple of games over the last two days.

“I think he kept for 50 overs and batted for around 50 overs too, so he looks good and we’re happy to have him.”

Ishan Kishan who helped India recover with a gusty 82 against Pakistan in the rain-affected Asia Cup match has managed to retain his place in the World Cup squad as the second wicketkeeper alongside KL Rahul.

Meanwhile, young middle-order batter Tilak Varma and fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, who are part of Asia Cup’s 17-member squad along with travelling reserve Sanju Samson failed to make it into the 15-member squad for the World Cup.

There are no changes in the bowling department as Jasprit Bumrah will continue to lead India’s pace attack, featuring Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami, as well as fast-bowling allrounders Hardik Pandya and Shardul Thakur.

Meanwhile, the squad features three left-arm spinners, including wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav and all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar showed faith in the spin options India have despite the absence of a specialist offspinner.

“Clearly there will be discussions given we have both Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel who spin the ball into left-handers,” Agarkar said.

“[But] both give us depth in batting. Kuldeep takes the ball away. In 50 overs cricket, perhaps you would ideally want an offspinner but this gives us the best balance.

“Seamers tend to bowl a lot more in ODIs as compared to T20 cricket, and perhaps you’re a little more under pressure if you don’t have an offie [offspinner], so we’re happy with the guys we have.”

Although the deadline for submitting the World Cup squad to the International Cricket Council (ICC) is September 5, teams can still make changes until September 28 without requiring ICC approval.

After the cut-off date, any changes to the squad will be subjected to the approval of the ICC.

India will kick off their World Cup campaign against Australia on October 8 in Chennai.

India’s World Cup squad

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (vc), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah.

READ: Kane Williamson set to captain New Zealand at ODI World Cup 2023

Kane Williamson set to captain New Zealand at ODI World Cup 2023

WELLINGTON: New Zealand’s hopes for the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 received a boost on Tuesday, with Kane Williamson set to captain the Black Caps despite still recovering from a serious knee injury.

Williamson has scored more than 6,500 runs in one-day international cricket and led New Zealand in their nail-biting defeat by England in the 2019 World Cup final.

The star batter has been sidelined since April after surgery to repair torn ligaments in his right knee suffered while playing for Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League.

“Naturally, the preparation isn’t ideal, but I didn’t get too much of a say in it and the prospect of playing at another World Cup is really exciting,” Kane Williamson told New Zealand media.

“It’s about ticking off those things I need to do for my knee and look forward to the competition.”

The 15-man New Zealand squad will be named on September 11, but Kane Williamson is already in after convincing head coach Gary Stead of his fitness.

“Kane has applied phenomenal dedication to his rehabilitation,” said Stead.

“He’s left no stone unturned in trying to get back to playing cricket at the highest level. We are delighted to be in a place to select him.”

New Zealand is set to play defending champions England in the World Cup opener in Ahmedabad on October 5, but Stead said there isn’t a specific timeline for Williamson’s return.

“We want to give Kane every bit of available time to aid his recovery,” he added.

“The World Cup is not a short tournament and we will continue to monitor his progress over the next month ahead of the first tournament match.”

READ: ICC World Cup 2023 Trophy reaches Pakistan for a historic three-day tour

ICC World Cup 2023 Trophy reaches Pakistan for a historic three-day tour

LAHORE: The trophy of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup to be held in India later this year, has reached Pakistan today and commenced a three-day tour filled with iconic moments, engaging activities, and an opportunity for cricket enthusiasts to get up close with this prestigious trophy.

The ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 Trophy began its tour in India, the host of the tournament, on June 27. It has travelled to Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the USA, the West Indies, Bangladesh, Kuwait, Bahrain, Italy, France and England.

The ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 Trophy, one of the most coveted prizes in the world of cricket, touched down in Lahore on 4 September and is scheduled to depart on 6 September.

During this brief yet momentous visit, the trophy is being embarked on a swift journey, making stops at historical landmarks, cricket academies, and educational institutions, providing fans from all walks of life a chance to witness the glory of cricket up close.

To allow media personnel to capture this historical moment, the trophy will be on display at the National Cricket Academy’s outdoor area on 6 September at 10 a.m. for 40 minutes.

The ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 is all set to take place in India from 5 October to 19 November.

Pakistan, currently the number one side in the 50-over format, clinched the title in 1992 under the leadership of Imran Khan when they defeated England by 22 runs in the final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia.

In the last edition of the ICC Men’s World Cup held in England in 2019, Pakistan narrowly missed an opportunity to qualify for the semi-finals, ending with 11 points from nine games and finishing in fifth place.

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ICC Men’s World Cup trophy to reach Pakistan on September 5

LAHORE: The trophy of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup to be held in India later this year, will reach here on September 5 to embark on a two-day trophy tour of Pakistan.

The World Cup Trophy will be taken to educational institutions, historical places and shopping malls on September 5 and 6.

The trophy toured Pakistan with a slight day after it was initially supposed to tour Pakistan in early August.

The ICC Cricket World Cup trophy embarked on the tour across the globe, on June 27, 2023, marking 100 days prior to the extravaganza starting on October 5.

The trophy will tour 18 ICC member countries across five regions — Africa, the Americas, Asia, East Asia Pacific and Europe during this 100-day tour.

The trophy will then return to the host India for the final 30 days before the event to be exhibited across the country to hype up the fans for the upcoming event.

The 2023 edition Trophy Tour will provide cricket fans around the globe with a chance to recreate the celebratory and carnival atmosphere witnessed during the marquee event.

Through innovative activations and events in different countries, the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Trophy Tour will provide a chance for one million fans to have their own personal interactions with the coveted piece of silverware.

On the launch of the Trophy Tour, ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said, “The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Trophy Tour is an important milestone in the countdown to what will be the biggest ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup ever. This Tour will see the iconic silverware meet heads of states, launch community initiatives and support cricket development programmes in addition to visiting some of the most iconic landmarks around the globe.

“Cricket has more than a billion fans and we want to give as many people as possible the opportunity to get up close to this famous trophy that has been held aloft by some of the greatest legends of our sport.”

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah added, “Cricket unites India like no other sport and excitement is building across the country as we prepare to host the 10 best teams in the world over six weeks of heart-stopping cricket.

“As we countdown to the World Cup, the Trophy Tour is a fantastic chance for fans to be part of the event wherever they are. The Tour will travel extensively across India and seek to inspire communities to share the excitement of cricket’s greatest spectacle, while providing an opportunity to showcase iconic venues, cities and landmarks throughout the country.”

The Cricket World Cup trophy features a golden globe, characterizing a cricket ball that is held up by three silver columns, which are crafted to resemble stumps and bails, representing the pillars of the game, batting, bowling, and fielding.

The trophy is made with silver and gilt, standing 60 cm tall and weighing approximately 11 kilos. It has been designed with platonic dimensions, which ensure that its uniqueness is immediately recognizable from every angle.

The Cricket World Cup 2023 will commence on October 5, while the final is scheduled for November 19, where the top ten cricket teams will fight for the biggest trophy in cricket.

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Pakistan’s kit for ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 unveiled

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday, unveiled the national men’s team’s jersey for the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in a glittering ceremony at Gaddafi Stadium.

The Pakistan Cricket Board unveiled the Star Nation Jersey today at a grand ceremony held at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

The ceremony, led by Mr Zaka Ashraf, Chairman of the PCB Management Committee, marked a significant step as the national team prepares for the forthcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

The Star Nation Jersey signifies more than a mere piece of apparel; it embodies the profound connection between Pakistan’s cricketing heroes and their steadfast supporters.

Drawing inspiration from celestial bodies, each star symbolises brilliance, aspiration, and the radiant glow of cricketing achievements. This design philosophy encapsulates the spirit of cricketing excellence, resonating deeply with every Pakistani cricket enthusiast.

The kit has been designed by Abdul Ahad Jawaid, PCB’s creative consultant. Other members of the PCB team behind this successful project include Brand Manager Muhammad Kashif and Head of Marketing Salman Mesud.

Zaka Ashraf, Chairman of the PCB Management Committee: “The Star Nation Jersey bears witness to the enduring bond between our cricketers and the passionate fans who stand by them through every match. This jersey encapsulates our rich cricketing heritage and the luminous future that awaits.”

Usman Waheed, Director – Commercial: “The Star Nation Jersey isn’t just a uniform; it’s a canvas woven with stories, sacrifices, and triumphs. Each star on this jersey represents the unwavering support of our fans and the radiant legacy of our cricketing heroes. Every detail has been meticulously crafted to ensure that donning this jersey will instill profound pride in every Pakistani.”

The ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 commences on Thursday, 5 October when 2019 finalists England and New Zealand clash at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, with the event culminating in the final at the same venue on Sunday, 19 November.

The tournament will be played in ten different venues – Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Dharamsala, Delhi, Chennai, Lucknow, Pune, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Kolkata.

Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram in addition to Hyderabad will host the warm-up matches from 29 September to 3 October.

Pakistan’s updated schedule for ICC Men’s World Cup 2023:

October 6: Pakistan vs Netherlands, Hyderabad

October 10: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Hyderabad

October 14: Pakistan vs India, Ahmedabad

October 20: Pakistan – vs Australia, Bengaluru

October 23: Pakistan vs Afghanistan, Chennai

October 27: Pakistan vs South Africa, Chennai

October 31: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Kolkata

November 4: Pakistan vs New Zealand, Bengaluru (Day match)

November 11: Pakistan – vs England, Kolkata

It is important to note that the day matches will commence at 10:00 AM Pakistan Standard Time (PST) while the day-night matches will start at 01:30 PM (PST).

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New Zealand give Kane Williamson two weeks to prove World Cup fitness

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has given captain Kane Williamson a two-week deadline to prove his fitness for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023, starting in October, head coach Gary Stead said Monday.

The batsman tore the cruciate ligaments in his right knee playing for Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League in April.

The 33-year-old has recovered well and is batting in the nets, with a place in New Zealand’s 15-man squad now in sight.

“We’ve got about two weeks from now until we name that side,” Stead told New Zealand media.

“We’re going to give him every chance to use that full amount of time. He’s in full rehab mode, he’s back batting in the nets again, which is great to see.

“He’s progressing really well, but there’s a lot of work for him still to do to make sure he gets where we need him to be.”

Kane Williamson has scored more than 6,500 runs in one-day international cricket and led New Zealand in their nail-biting defeat to England in the 2019 World Cup final.

New Zealand play England in their opening game of the World Cup in Ahmedabad on October 5.

As part of his recovery bid, Williamson is with the squad on their white-ball tour of England.

“Of course, we want him at the World Cup, but there is that bigger picture that we want Kane Williamson fit for the rest of his career,” added Stead.

“There will be honest conversations that Kane and I will have around exactly where he is at.”

All-rounder James Neesham has withdrawn from the T20I squad for the series against England, which starts Wednesday, to return home ahead of the birth of his first child.

New Zealand ODI squad: Tom Latham (c & wk), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Devon Conway (wk), Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Will Young.

New Zealand T20I squad: Tim Southee (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway (wk), Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips. Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi.

READ: Pakistan to face Australia, New Zealand in warm-up fixtures of World Cup

Pakistan to face Australia, New Zealand in warm-up fixtures of World Cup

Pakistan will face Australia, and New Zealand in warm-up fixtures of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India next month, as ICC announced the official warm-up fixtures for the mega-event.

The 10 teams will each play two official 50-over contests during the week leading up to the start of the World Cup on October 5, with matches to be held in three different cities across India.

The matches will be held in Guwahati, Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram between Friday 29 September and Tuesday 3 October and will provide teams with the perfect opportunity to acclimatise to the conditions they are expected to face during the World Cup.

On the opening day of warm-up fixtures Bangladesh will take on Sri Lanka in Guwahati, South Africa will tackle Afghanistan in Thiruvananthapuram and New Zealand will face Pakistan in Hyderabad.

Hosts India will battle it out against reigning champions England the following day in Guwahati, while five-time winners Australia will be looking for some valuable practice when they play the Netherlands in Thiruvananthapuram on the same day.

All games will commence at 2:00 pm IST and teams will be allowed to field all members of their 15-player squads during the matches.

World Cup warm-up fixtures:

Friday 29 September

Bangladesh v Sri Lanka, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
South Africa v Afghanistan, Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
New Zealand v Pakistan, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad

Saturday 30 September

India v England, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
Australia v Netherlands, Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram

Monday 2 October

England v Bangladesh, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
New Zealand v South Africa, Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram

Tuesday 3 October

Afghanistan v Sri Lanka, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
India v Netherlands, Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
Pakistan v Australia, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad

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Harry Brook frustrated by World Cup snub

England batsman Harry Brook has revealed his frustration at being left out of the squad for this year’s Cricket World Cup.

Ben Stokes’ decision to come out of one-day international retirement played a key role in Brook failing to make England’s preliminary squad for the defence of their 50-over crown.

The 24-year-old has emerged as one of England’s brightest young talents, helping them to a dramatic drawn Ashes series against Australia recently.

But England’s selectors left Harry Brook out of a 15-man squad for their four warm-up matches with New Zealand in September.

The same group will most likely be chosen to try and retain the World Cup in India in October and November.

“Obviously it’s disappointing, but I can’t do anything about it now, you’ve just got to move on. I’m trying not to think about it anymore,” Brook said after playing for Northern Superchargers in The Hundred at Lord’s.

“I’ve not had much conversation with (coach) Matthew (Mott) or (captain) Jos (Buttler). They said with Stokesy coming back I was probably going to miss out this time.

“He (Stokes) is one of the best players to ever play cricket, so I can’t really complain, can I?”

While Harry Brook has made a flying start to his Test career, he has played just three ODI matches for England.

“I feel like I’m playing well at the minute and feel I could potentially add value to the team. There’s always something more you could do,” he said.

“I haven’t had much opportunity to play one-day cricket, whether that be for Yorkshire or England and, although I’ve played a lot of T20 cricket, I don’t know I’ve done as well as I have in the past in the last six months, so that might have had an effect.”

READ: No Ramiz Raja in Asia Cup 2023 commentary panel

Ben Stokes comes out of ODI retirement ahead of World Cup

England’s Test captain Ben Stokes has come out of his ODI retirement ahead of England’s defence of the ICC Men’s World Cup in India later this year.

Prior to that, he will make his comeback in the ODI format in the upcoming home ODI series against New Zealand.

Ben Stokes, announced his retirement from ODI cricket during the home series against South Africa last year.

The England Men’s selection panel, on Tuesday, confirmed Ben Stokes’ return, as they announced squads for the upcoming ODI and T20I series against New Zealand commencing from August 30.

“The return of Ben Stokes only adds to that quality with his match-winning ability and leadership. I am certain that every fan will enjoy seeing him back in an England ODI shirt again,” England Men’s National Selector, Luke Wright said.

Ben Stokes played a vital role for England in their 2019 ODI World Cup triumph. He scored an unbeaten 84 in the final against New Zealand and forced the match into a super over before Jofra Archer’s super over helped England lift their maiden ODI World Cup title by ‘the barest of margins’.

England’s white-ball coach Matthew Mott while talking to the media on Sunday, shared his wish to bring Ben Stokes out of retirement to be part of their World Cup defence in India.

“There has not been a clear direction on what he’s going to do yet, but we are still hopeful. I’ve always said his bowling would be a bonus, but just look at what he brings with the bat, even in the field,” said Mott.

“Watching him throughout the whole Ashes series, he had such a great presence. He’s done it for years when it comes to performing in one-day cricket and so he’s an invaluable commodity.” He concluded.

Along with Ben Stokes, uncapped fast bowler Gus Atkinson is also included in the 15-player ODI squad, as well as the T20I squad.

Meanwhile, uncapped Josh Tongue and John Turner are also selected for the T20I series against New Zealand.

“We have been able to name two extremely strong squads that underline the depth of talent we enjoy in white-ball cricket,” Luke Wright said.

“We’re also excited to give first international call-ups to both Gus Atkinson and John Turner while Josh Tongue has deserved a place in the T20 squad after impressing during the Ashes.” he further added

England ODI squad

Jos Buttler (captain)

Moeen Ali

Gus Atkinson

Jonny Bairstow

Sam Curran

Liam Livingstone

Dawid Malan

Adil Rashid

Joe Root

Jason Roy

Ben Stokes

Reece Topley

David Willey

Mark Wood

Chris Woakes

England T20I squad

Jos Buttler (captain)

Rehan Ahmed

Moeen Ali

Gus Atkinson

Jonny Bairstow

Harry Brook

Sam Curran

Ben Duckett

Will Jacks

Liam Livingstone

Dawid Malan

Adil Rashid

Josh Tongue

John Turner

Luke Wood

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