Karachi: In an exciting turn of events, the contours of Pakistan’s lineup for the forthcoming ICC World Cup 2023 are gradually unfolding following a strategic brainstorming session orchestrated by the PCB Think Tank.
Yet, the crucial verdict on the team’s composition eagerly awaits the pronouncement of the incoming chief selector, whose identity remains shrouded in anticipation.
Inside sources reveal that luminaries including Head Coach Grant Bradburn, Director Mickey Arthur, Skipper Babar Azam, and the Analytics Maestro, Hassan Cheema, have collaboratively converged on a preliminary list of 12 to 13 potential players destined to grace Pakistan’s World Cup campaign.
Insiders intimate that the envisioned roster is likely to encompass esteemed names such as Captain Babar Azam, the dynamic Fakhar Zaman, the steadfast Imam-ul-Haq, the resilient Mohammad Rizwan, the versatile Shadab Khan, the fiery Haris Rauf, the prodigious Naseem Shah, the indomitable Shaheen Afridi, the crafty Usama Mir, and the promising Agha Salman.
Intriguingly, Iftikhar Ahmed and the emerging talent of Mohammad Wasim Jnr remain intriguing prospects under contemplation for the coveted lineup, as per these well-placed sources.
From a pool comprising Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Haris, and Tayyab Tahir, a duo will be meticulously cherry-picked to enrich the World Cup contingent.
As dawn follows dusk, the final two to three selections will crystallize in the imminent days.
Guided by a commitment to comprehensive deliberation, the cerebrally fortified think tank will channel their insights to harmonize with the future chief selector’s vision upon their ascension to the role.
The forthcoming ODI series against Afghanistan and the high-stakes crucible of the Asia Cup will form the crucible within which players’ mettle shall be tested, their performances scrutinized, prior to the crystallization of the definitive World Cup assemblage.
Worth noting is the grand spectacle ahead, wherein ten tenacious cricketing envoys shall ardently vie for the ultimate laurels across ten arenas, a saga set to unfurl from the 5th of October till the 19th of November. The Narendra Modi Stadium, nestled in Ahmedabad’s embrace, shall ceremoniously open and close the tournament.
Mark your calendars with these riveting encounters:
- October 6 – Clash with Netherlands in Hyderabad
- October 12 – Showdown against Sri Lanka in Hyderabad
- October 15 – Epic encounter with India in Ahmedabad
- October 20 – Duel with Australia in Bengaluru
- October 23 – Tussle with Afghanistan in Chennai
- October 27 – Battle with South Africa in Chennai
- October 31 – Faceoff against Bangladesh in Kolkata
- November 4 – Encounter New Zealand in Bengaluru (Day Match)
- November 12 – Engage England in Kolkata
ICC World Cup 2023 Schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Time (PST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 6 | Netherlands | Hyderabad | 10:00 AM |
| October 12 | Sri Lanka | Hyderabad | 10:00 AM |
| October 15 | India | Ahmedabad | 01:30 PM |
| October 20 | Australia | Bengaluru | 01:30 PM |
| October 23 | Afghanistan | Chennai | 01:30 PM |
| October 27 | South Africa | Chennai | 01:30 PM |
| October 31 | Bangladesh | Kolkata | 01:30 PM |
| November 4 | New Zealand | Bengaluru | 10:00 AM |
| November 12 | England | Kolkata | 01:30 PM |
The sun-soaked matches will commence at the stroke of 10:00 am, Pakistan Standard Time (PST), while the day-night spectacles shall commence at 01:30 pm (PST), exuding a distinct charm.
Should Pakistan’s fortunes propel them into the semi-finals, their ardor shall find an arena in Kolkata.
Players Likely to be Part of Pakistan’s World Cup Squad:
| Batsmen | Bowlers | All-Rounders | Wicketkeeper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | Shaheen Afridi | Shadab Khan | Mohammad Rizwan |
| Fakhar Zaman | Usama Mir | Haris Rauf | |
| Imam-ul-Haq | Naseem Shah | ||
| Iftikhar Ahmed | |||
| Mohammad Wasim Jnr | |||
| Agha Salman |
Notably, India, the cricketing powerhouse, shall grace Mumbai’s stage during the semi-finals, unless destined to cross swords with Pakistan. In this climactic clash, the battleground shall shift to the hallowed grounds of Kolkata.
The imminent Cricket World Cup shall embrace the captivating round-robin format, entailing a spirited exchange between all contenders spanning 45 enthralling league matches.
Anticipation mounts as the top four contenders shall ascend to the semifinals, slated for a rendezvous in Mumbai on November 15 and Kolkata on November 16. As if scripted by destiny itself, the semi-finals and grand finale shall each hold their own reserve day, securing the spectacle against the whims of weather.
As Pakistan’s cricketing caravan embarks on this thrilling odyssey, enthusiasts and critics alike are poised on the cusp of exhilaration, ready to embark on a journey to etch their names in the annals of cricketing glory.
