Pakistan World Cup Squad 2023
The ICC World Cup 2023 is set to kick off on October 5 in India, featuring ten formidable teams including Pakistan. In this article, we will delve into Pakistan’s prospects, schedule, and their probable squad for the tournament. With high expectations riding on their shoulders, Pakistan is gearing up to make a mark in this cricketing extravaganza.
Pakistan in the ICC World Cup 2023
In a round-robin format, Pakistan is scheduled to play a total of 9 matches during the league stage of the ICC World Cup 2023. Their campaign begins on October 6 when they face off against the Netherlands. The journey culminates with a game against England on November 11, marking the conclusion of the group stage.
Pakistan’s Quest for Redemption
Reflecting on the previous edition in 2019, Pakistan’s World Cup campaign was marred by disappointment as they failed to reach the semi-finals. This time around, they are determined to put up a better show. Their recent success in reaching the final during the T20 World Cup in Australia has bolstered their confidence, making them strong contenders to clinch the coveted trophy. Pakistan’s familiarity with Indian conditions, akin to their home country, may also prove advantageous. However, it’s worth noting that Pakistan has not played in India since 2016.
The Glorious Past
Pakistan’s ODI World Cup history boasts a single triumph in the 1992 edition. In a thrilling final, they outclassed England to lift the coveted trophy. As we look forward to the 2023 edition, let’s take a closer look at Pakistan’s squad and their schedule.
Pakistan World Cup Schedule
The ICC World Cup 2023 schedule is designed in a round-robin format, with Pakistan facing each participating team once. Below is Pakistan’s schedule for the tournament:
- October 6: Pakistan vs. Netherlands (2nd Match) at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad – 2:00 PM IST
- October 10: Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka (8th Match) at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad – 2:00 PM IST
- October 14: Pakistan vs. India (12th Match) at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad – 2:00 PM IST
- October 20: Pakistan vs. Australia (18th Match) at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru – 2:00 PM IST
- October 23: Pakistan vs. Afghanistan (22nd Match) at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai – 2:00 PM IST
- October 27: Pakistan vs. South Africa (26th Match) at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai – 2:00 PM IST
- October 31: Pakistan vs. Bangladesh (31st Match) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata – 2:00 PM IST
- November 4: Pakistan vs. New Zealand (35th Match) at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru – 10:30 AM IST
- November 11: Pakistan vs. England (45th Match) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata – 2:00 PM IST
Pakistan World Cup Squad 2023
While Pakistan is yet to officially announce their squad for the World Cup, it is expected to bear a striking resemblance to the Asia Cup 2023 squad, which was unveiled a few weeks ago. The team will be led by the talented Babar Azam, with key players including Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, and Shadab Khan.
Probable Squad:
- Captain: Babar Azam
- Key Players: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi
Conclusion
As Pakistan prepares to embark on their ICC World Cup 2023 journey, cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await their performance in this high-stakes tournament. With their rich cricketing history and a squad teeming with talent, Pakistan aims to shine on the world stage and, perhaps, add another chapter to their storied World Cup legacy.
