ISLAMABAD: Cricket fans are buzzing with excitement as the Cricket World Cup in India kicks off today, with defending champions England facing off against New Zealand on Thursday.
Despite the troubled build-up, even opposing skippers are eagerly anticipating the October 14 clash between the two rivals.
Australia skipper Pat Cummins expressed, “I don’t think there’s too many events around the world where you feel like half the world’s tuning in to watch whenever India plays Pakistan in a World Cup.”
India clinched the championship the last time the tournament was hosted on the sub-continent in 2011. With their recent victory in the Asia Cup and the presence of superstar batsman Virat Kohli, who is just three centuries shy of reaching 50 in the ODI format, India stands out as one of the major contenders.
Australia, with the seasoned batting skills of David Warner and Steve Smith at their disposal, is also in contention for a sixth world title.
Under the tournament format, all 10 teams face each other once, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals. The final will be in Ahmedabad on November 19.
Meanwhile, Jos Buttler, the captain of England, stated that there is no pressure on his team to defend the championship as they commence play on Thursday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the largest cricket stadium in the world. Buttler remarked, “We are not feeling like we’re defending anything. We’re all starting from the same point and share big dreams and aspirations of going all the way.”
Uncertain Future Ahead
Despite being remarkably successful in international tournaments and among profitable franchises, the game’s format is currently experiencing its worst crisis of confidence in 52 years, making its future uncertain.
Mark Nicholas, the new president of the MCC, the body responsible for the laws of the game, strongly believes that ODIs should be exclusive to World Cups. He pointed out that bilateral ODIs are struggling to fill stadiums in many countries, and T20 cricket’s popularity is overwhelming.
In the wake of the fast-paced T20 format, many perceive the 50-over format as slow-paced.
“The ODI has been reduced to virtually depending on a World Cup year for its importance,” noted former Australia captain Ian Chappell.
This year’s World Cup, expected to become an Olympic sport in 2028, features 10 teams and will last for 45 days. In contrast, the Twenty20 World Cup in the US and West Indies in 2024 will see 20 nations competing in a condensed four-week event.
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson supports the co-existence of T20 and 50-over cricket, highlighting the significance of the ODI World Cup as a top-tier event.
injuries and changes in schedules
Ben Stokes and New Zealand’s Williamson may miss the game due to injuries. A thumb injury has also sidelined Tim Southee.
Pakistan is visiting India after seven years, with visa and security concerns causing match rescheduling.
Azam, on his first India trip, feels warmly received.
