ISLAMABAD: In a ceremony held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium today, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) introduced the official kit for the national team participating in the 2023 World Cup.
The World Cup is slated to occur in India from Oct 5 to Nov 19. Pakistan’s first match is scheduled for Oct 6 against the Netherlands in Hyderabad.
The much-anticipated face-off with arch-rivals India will happen in Ahmedabad on Oct 14.
Zaka Ashraf, head of the PCB Management Committee, labeled the kit unveiling as a significant step forward in preparation for the upcoming mega event, in a press release on Monday.
Named the “Star Nation Jersey,” the PCB underscored that the official kit holds more significance than being just clothing.
As indicated in the press release, the jersey symbolizes the “profound connection between Pakistan’s cricketing heroes and their steadfast supporters”.
Inspired by the “celestial bodies, each star symbolises brilliance, aspiration, and the radiant glow” of the achievements of the number one ranked One Day International (ODI) team, the statement mentioned.
“This design philosophy encapsulates the spirit of cricketing excellence, resonating deeply with every Pakistani cricket enthusiast,” it further added.
In the statement, Ashraf, as quoted by the PCB, stated that the jersey bore witness to the bond between the cricketers and their fans. The fans, who had supported the national team in every game.
Zaka further added, “This jersey encapsulates our rich cricketing heritage and the luminous future that awaits.”
Journey to the World Cup
Initially, doubts arose about Pakistan’s participation in the tournament due to a dispute concerning the Asia Cup’s hosting. India had declined to send its cricket team to Pakistan for the event.
In response, Pakistan linked its cricket team’s visit to India for the World Cup to India’s participation in Pakistan for the Asia Cup.
A resolution was reached when Pakistan consented to hosting the Asia Cup in September, adopting a hybrid model.
Subsequently, in June of this year, after the World Cup schedule was unveiled, the Pakistan Cricket Board stated that government clearance would still be necessary for any tours to India, including matches at World Cup venues.
Later, an August 6 statement by the foreign office confirmed the government’s approval for sending the cricket team to India for the World Cup. The statement maintained that Pakistan has always believed that, “sports should not be mixed with politics”
