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Pakistan's road to the final of the 2023 World Cup in India

We need to add Abrar as a surprise package if he does well in the English series, we definitely need a quality spinner to go with Shahdab
 
Abdullah
Imam
Babar
Rizwan
Salman
Haris
Shadab
Nawaz
Rauf
Shaheen
Naseem

Backup:Saud, Hasnain, abrar, wasim
 
Pakistani is strong contender for 2023 Wc,You can place them in top 3 favourite for this Wc, Babar Is far better batsman in odi plus they have best pace bowling unit, Two crucial spinning allrounder for these condition .

Lets not project their T20 performances onto ODIs. Pak lost to an England C team 3-0 last year in case anyone has forgotten. All series wins came against depleted South Africa, Australia and West Indies.
 
This would be my ODI team moving forward:

Imam
Rizwan +
Babar (c)
Haris Sohail
Fakhar
M. Haris


Shaheen



The remaining 4 options are all average. You have guys like Nawaz, Shadab, Rauf, Naseem etc. They are all ordinary. Pakistan has only one world class bowler (Shaheen).

I would open with Imam and Rizwan. People not stop meaning about Imam. He is an excellent ODI opener, very consistent and has the appetite for big knocks. His SR was a problem earlier on but he has improved a lot and shown that he is capable of batting at 85-90 which is great.

Rizwan will do really well as an opener provided that he bats like he does in T20Is. He is liability in the middle/lower-order. Him cramping every 5 overs and faking injuries would be annoying though, but I would rather see that than his usual clueless batting in the middle-order.

Haris Sohail should be back. He is the best middle-order batsman in ODIs in the country. In spite of his dodgy knees, laidback attitude, smoking habit etc., he is still miles better than the other options at our disposal. He can also be utilized as a 6th bowling option if needed.

He can utilized for the next 12 months and then discarded for good if required.

Fakhar at 5 to protect Rizwan. If he can average 35 at a SR of 95+ at 5, he would serve the team a lot better than the alternative options. He can attack in the middle-orders and at the death.

Haris at 6 due to his innovative strokeplay and courage. He can be the difference between getting a par score and getting that extra 15-20 runs at the death.

If Shaheen is fit and firing and liabilities like Shadab, Nawaz, Haris, Naseem etc. do not do something stupid, this team can definitely reach the semifinals and once you are in the mix, a bit of luck and who knows what can happen.
 
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Imam
Fakhar
Babar (c)
Abdulla
Fakhar
Rizwan
Shadab
Nawaz
Shaheen
Rauf
Naseem
 
World Cup 11

Imam
Rizwan/Haris(wk)
Babar
Fakhar
Shan
Iftikhar
Shadab
Aamer Jamal/Wasim
Abrar/nawaz
Shaheen
Rauf
 
No Nasim Shah??

Ohh yes. Forgot that he's started playing odis as well.
Pak will need to choose between him and pace bowling all rounder depending on the conditions. Two specialist spinners are a must in Indian conditions
 
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We should be doing a lot of experimentation until the WC. Following areas need exploration,

1. High strike rate opener instead of Imam. Options are Harris, Rizwan, Abdullah, Shan, Farhan.

2. A reasonably consistent number 4 with ability to shift gears and a decent game against spin.
Options are Abdullah, Shan, Salman.

3. Suitable placement of Shadab, Iftikhar, Agha Salman, Khushdil, Nawaz at 5, 6, 7, 8.

4. Better bowling combination in subcontinent:
3 fast + 2 spin + 1 part time spin
vs
4 fast + 1 spin + 2 part time spin.

A possible lineup could look like:

Fakhar
Harris/Rizwan
Babar
Abdullah/Shan
Salman/Iftikhar
Shadab
Iftikhar/Khushdil
Nawaz/Wasim Jr
Naseem/Hasnain
Shaheen
Harris
 
I don’t think we have a good enough middle-order to compete at the World Cup. Cameos from Shadab and Nawaz have saved our blushes in T20s, but ODIs are a completely different beast altogether.

We have to wait and watch how the selections for ODIs pan out in the coming few months. Haris Sohail, if fit, should definitely slot back in.
 
Didn’t know we got to Fakhar zamans

Oops, thanks for pointing out.

Imam
Fakhar
Babar (c)
Abdulla
Haris
Rizwan
Shadab
Nawaz
Shaheen
Rauf
Naseem
 
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It is going to be hard to pick the correct squad, so much can happen in the next couple of months. I hope PCB get the correct team selection and right combination as well. I would want to work with maybe 22 players and try to pick out 15 from there, as time progresses.


1) Imam Ul Haq
2) Fakhar Zaman
3) Mohammad Haris
4) Mohammad Huraira
5) Abdualla Shafique

6) Babar Azam
7) Shan Masood
8) Haris Sohail
9) Salman Ali Agha
10) Qasim Akram

11) Shaheen Shah Afridi
12) Naseem Shah
13) Haris Rauf
14) Shahnawaz Dahani
15) Mohammad Wasim Jr

16) Shadab Khan
17) Abrar Ahmed
18) Arshad Iqbal
19) Saud Shakeel
20) Anwar Ali (use him for batting only, can act as a finisher, maybe have him bowl 2 overs max)
21) Mohammad Hasnain
22) Nasir Nawaz


However, I feel PCB will go with more or less the Same Squad we saw in t20 world cup with Imam being the opener. I feel they will select 1 or 2 or even all three (Khushdil, Chacha, and Asif) but for all 3 i feel their time is done, If I was to select one it would be Chacha or Khushdil at worst)
 
Oops, thanks for pointing out.

Imam
Fakhar
Babar (c)
Abdulla
Haris
Rizwan
Shadab
Nawaz
Shaheen
Rauf
Naseem

Good line up 5 proper batesman who can play spin decently well haris Sohail can be 6th bowling option.
 
Rizwan should open I think that's were he's best suitable.
If Haris Sohail isn't fit then Shan Masood should bat at 4.
Abdullah Shafique can bat in the top 5.
 
Pakistan’s 2023 World Cup team

It’s a tad early but who should be in the starting 11 for the world cup in India?

Here’s what I think based on current performance and conditions:

World Cup 2023 line up:
1) Saim Ayub
2) Fakhar
3) Babar
4) Iftikhar
5) Agha
6) Azam Khan/M Haris
7) Shadab
8) Shaheen
9) Naseem
10) Haris Rauf
11) Abrar

Some context:
Saim is needed as an attacking option at the top of the order. About time we go into a world cup with a highly promising opener and let them shine.
Agha salman is proving to be a very good player of spin. Need that skill in India.
Azam khan or M Haris: need a power hitter in the line up. And either one of them can keep wickets too.
Abrar: can’t go into a World Cup in India without our best spinner!

Back up:
Nawaz and Zafar Gohar (spin). Could play additional spinner where conditions allow
Dahani and Waseem (pace)
Rizwan (potential opener if Fakhar isn’t working out)
Lastly, Sarfraz is an outside chance if we need another quality player of spin.

Am I missing anyone?
 
I think the XI is already pretty much set, but a strong PSL could change things i guess.

Imam
Fakhar
Babar
Rizwan
Haris Sohail
Agha Salman
Shadab
Nawaz
Naseem
Shaheen
Rauf

Possible bench: Saim Ayub, Ifti Chacha, Mohammad Wasim, Usama Mir

A power hitting is missing but all of ours are rubbish and the rookies will probably lack the required experience once the WC comes around. This could change if someone has a big PSL.
 
Why are there so many newbies?


Select seniors and proven performers more.


1. Sharjeel Khan
2. Azam Khan (vc)
3. Haris Sohail
4. Sarfraz Ahmed (c) (wk)
5. Shoaib Malik
6. Iftikhar Ahmed
7. Asif Ali
8. Shadab Khan
9. Mohammad Nawaz
10. Naseem Shah
11. Shaheen Afridi


- Sharjeel Khan, a proven hard hitting batsman who loves smashing sixes with pure power, he will have great impact in the PP overs

- Azam Khan, great sidekick of Sharjeel Khan the legend, he loves smashing big sixes out of the park, together he can put loads of runs in crucial PP overs

- Haris Sohail, a technical classy batsman who plays nice strokes down the ground and can strike if needed, he can play the anchor role, he can also bowl a few cheap overs

- Sarfraz Ahmed, an attacking batsman who rotates the strike awesomely, he works well with anybody, he plays spin with good negotiation

- Shoaib Malik, a senior batsman, lots of experience, he can play multiples rules, a legacy player of spin

- Iftikhar Ahmed, another oldie who can play an attacking role against pace, he can bowl some efficient overs, he can provide firepower in the middle and end

- Asif Ali, most talented and clutchest batsman Pakistan has produced in recent history, he will play at a 300+ SR and win a screamer game

- Shadab Khan, he is a tidy spinner that dry up runs and get you a wicket, high IQ, can play the clutch game

- Mohammad Nawaz, another tidy spinner that saves runs and gets wickets, he can play a clutch innings with the bat

- Naseem Shah, talented new ball seamer with good pace and line and length, attacking, can get you early wickets

- Shaheen Afridi, another talent new ball seamer with good pace, line, length, and bounce, can also get you early wickets
 
Im pretty sure the confirmed spots for starting 11 so far are:

1. Fakhar Zaman
2. Imam Ul-Haq
3. Babar Azam
4. Muhammad Rizwan
5.
6. Agha Salman Ali (He has done enough imo)
7. Shadab Khan (Most Likely) or Usama Mir
8. Muhammad Nawaz (Most Likely)
9. Probably Haris Rauf
10. Shaheen Shah Afridi
11. Naseem Shah

every spot except number 5 has pretty much been solidified

I think the last spot, number 5, will be between:

- Sarfaraz Ahmed
- Haris Sohail
- Azam Khan
- Shan Masood
- Kamran Ghulam
- Muhammad Haris Khan
- Iftikhar Ahmed
 
Fakhar
Imam
Babar
Harris sohail
Rizwan
Sarfaraz
Shadab
Agha salman
Harris rauf
Shaheen
Naseem
 
It’s a tad early but who should be in the starting 11 for the world cup in India?

Here’s what I think based on current performance and conditions:

World Cup 2023 line up:
1) Saim Ayub
2) Fakhar
3) Babar
4) Iftikhar
5) Agha
6) Azam Khan/M Haris
7) Shadab
8) Shaheen
9) Naseem
10) Haris Rauf
11) Abrar

Some context:
Saim is needed as an attacking option at the top of the order. About time we go into a world cup with a highly promising opener and let them shine.
Agha salman is proving to be a very good player of spin. Need that skill in India.
Azam khan or M Haris: need a power hitter in the line up. And either one of them can keep wickets too.
Abrar: can’t go into a World Cup in India without our best spinner!

Back up:
Nawaz and Zafar Gohar (spin). Could play additional spinner where conditions allow
Dahani and Waseem (pace)
Rizwan (potential opener if Fakhar isn’t working out)
Lastly, Sarfraz is an outside chance if we need another quality player of spin.

Am I missing anyone?

Why Azam Khan , just because of a 100 in lowly rated BPL ? Any other sample to impress ??
 
Fakhar
Imam
Babar
Rizwan
Sarfraz
Agha
Shadab
Imad
Shaheen
Amir
Naseem


Rauf
Abrar
Waseem
Asif/Iftikhar/Umar Akmal

If Sarfraz is made captain, Imad and Amir will return to the team
 
I’ll post one a bit closer to the WC based on if PCB experiments and how those experiments do in reality.

But I’m overall pleased with the XIs combinations we can put forward, and there’s quite a few of them. I think they will all do well. This is the first series in a long time for which the result doesn’t really mean much to me overall because if you dig deep into the performances, we competed well.

The 2 main glaring weaknesses are 1) chasing anything above 250 and how Agha and Haris Sohail- or whoever else #5 and #6 will be have to work hard towards counteracting Rizwan and at times Babar ramping up the required run rate.

Their selfish batting has leaked over from t20s where they will nudge the ball around no matter what the need of the hour is. Forget about nudging the ball, Rizwan will just eat up dot ball after dot ball like it’s a [MENTION=97523]Buffet[/MENTION].

2) Nawaz needs a break. I’m tired of repeating myself, but as a batsman he’s sadly lost the plot after the WC. He’s batting like a tailender again and can’t hold his nerve under pressure to save his life. As soon as he comes on at the death as a bowler, batsmen began rubbing their hands in excitement.

Other than that I guess I’m a bit more concerned about our bowling options than I am about our batting which seems solid overall, and like OP says, we have Saim, M Harris, and I’d also like to give honorable mention to Kamran and Sharjeel.

Bowling wise I had high expectations of Hasnain as his long time supporter, but sad to see him butcher it today. Hopefully just rust. Just give him one proper series without chopping and changing.
 
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Why Azam Khan , just because of a 100 in lowly rated BPL ? Any other sample to impress ??

He played well in the CPL as well. But yeah to secure his spot he’d have to play a few games and score. Looking for someone who can come in and play a quick fire cameo at the back end of the inning. Maybe M Haris is a better bet.
 
It’s a tad early but who should be in the starting 11 for the world cup in India?

Here’s what I think based on current performance and conditions:

World Cup 2023 line up:
1) Saim Ayub
2) Fakhar
3) Babar
4) Iftikhar
5) Agha
6) Azam Khan/M Haris
7) Shadab
8) Shaheen
9) Naseem
10) Haris Rauf
11) Abrar

Some context:
Saim is needed as an attacking option at the top of the order. About time we go into a world cup with a highly promising opener and let them shine.
Agha salman is proving to be a very good player of spin. Need that skill in India.
Azam khan or M Haris: need a power hitter in the line up. And either one of them can keep wickets too.
Abrar: can’t go into a World Cup in India without our best spinner!

Back up:
Nawaz and Zafar Gohar (spin). Could play additional spinner where conditions allow
Dahani and Waseem (pace)
Rizwan (potential opener if Fakhar isn’t working out)
Lastly, Sarfraz is an outside chance if we need another quality player of spin.

Am I missing anyone?

Too late to include newcomers like saim,Abrar for a timid management nd captain.

More realistic 11
Imam
Fakhar
Babar
Rizwan
Haris Sohail
Agha
Shadab
Nawaz
Shaheen
Wasim
Naseem
 
What would be your squad for the WC-2023 ?

My squad
1. Imam
2. Fakhar
3. Babar
4. Rizwan
5. Haris Sohail
6. Iftikar
7. Shadab
8. Nawaz
9. Shaheen
10. Naseem
11. Rauf
Reserves:
12. Imad
13. Abdullah Safiq
14. Wasim jr
15. Saim Ayub
 
Imam
Fakhar
Babar
Haris
Rizwan
Iftikhar
Imad
Shadab
Shaheen
Naseem
Rauf

Haris is an underrated 6th bowler. As is Iftikhar. Sleeper picks.

Imad averages 42 with the bat. Easy pick over Nawaz who still hasn’t recovered fully imho after the last WC.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Team &#55356;&#56821;&#55356;&#56816; winning the series is great to see, and match winning performances with the bat and ball shows the strength of our team and sets high expectations for the upcoming World Cup. I love the unity the boys have and show in the field.</p>— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial/status/1654090515757912067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
1.Fakhar (sealed)
2. Imam (sealed)
3. Babar (sealed)
4. Abdullah/Iftikhar (up for grabs)
5. Rizwan (don't see Haris displacing him)
6. Agha/Imad (up for grabs)
7 & 8. of Shadab/Nawaz/Usama
9. Shaheen (sealed)
10 & 11. 2 of Haris/Naseem/Ihsan/Wasim or someone else.
 
Imam
Fakhar
Babar
Haris
Rizwan
Iftikhar
Imad
Shadab
Shaheen
Naseem
Rauf

Haris is an underrated 6th bowler. As is Iftikhar. Sleeper picks.

Imad averages 42 with the bat. Easy pick over Nawaz who still hasn’t recovered fully imho after the last WC.

Haris sohail only weak link...(may be Salman?)
 
An ODI World Cup trophy… 31 years in the making… Pakistan’s World Cup to lose?

Hello all.

It’s time to address the elephant in the room that is the behemoth of a team that Pakistan is in ODIs. Undisputed numero uno side in the world, playing the ODI WC in its backyard.

Could this be it? The biggest middle finger to BCCI so far… forcing Jay Shah to hand the crown to Babar Azam in Ahmedabad.

Real talk, the only weak link I can see is the spin bowling and Ihsanullah being somewhat untested.

Where do you rate our chances?

As for me, ofc, In Sha Allah, it’s time to go all the way. :afridi
 
Winning Worldcup? Put bowling, batting, fielding aside. The only reason we have lost previous big tournaments is because of lack of mental strength.
Team need to just Calm down and show mental strength...
 
With the team Pakistan has, it would be completely foolish for them to boycott the World Cup. Come to India, show your fighting abilities, beat India, and win the finals ..... that should be their aim.
 
Winning Worldcup? Put bowling, batting, fielding aside. The only reason we have lost previous big tournaments is because of lack of mental strength.
Team need to just Calm down and show mental strength...

This is exactly why we cant win, unless all other teams walk in heavily crippled with "C" sides...
 
Fakhar
Imam
Babar
Rizwan
Salman/Sohail
Iftikhar
Shadab/Imad
Shaheen
Usama
Naseem
Rauf/Wasim Jr

I will be disappointed if this team does not reach the final 4. After that, who knows.
 
We're looking well prepared for the WC. Need to have more preps with Asia cup and AFG, SL tour.
 
When Pakistan win this world cup I am sure there will be posters here saying this team will be badly exposed when the world cup is in New Zealand, South Africa or on Mars.
 
Pakistan should make semi final. But beyond that I do not see them , because mentally they do not have winners mentality as we can see in the last two 20 20 WC.

Mentally you need strong characters to win WC .
 
Need to get 4th batting spot resolved quickly as time is getting near. Not good planning and development in this regards.

Can't just rely on the top order for success at the WC.
 
If Babar is to remain as captain of the ODI side, there is no chance we will win the WC in India this year.

He has captained Pakistan at:

- U19 level
- Domestic level
- T20 franchise cricket
- International level

But has yet to win anything because the reality is he's a serial loser who should never have been made captain in the first place.
 
Need to get 4th batting spot resolved quickly as time is getting near. Not good planning and development in this regards.

Can't just rely on the top order for success at the WC.

Play Agha at 4 plays spin well and can rotate strike.
 
Need to get 4th batting spot resolved quickly as time is getting near. Not good planning and development in this regards.

Can't just rely on the top order for success at the WC.
Its sorted. Ifti has agreed.

The ball is in Babar & Mickey’s court.
 
Its sorted. Ifti has agreed.

The ball is in Babar & Mickey’s court.

But is it? Ifti has agreed, Riz has agreed, Abdullah has agreed, Haris has agreed, other names like Agha being touted. Who they going to give it to? Not sure I trust any of them.

PS: it might be a silly question though as Riz did his usual dramaybaazi in the public domain then got installed back.
 
Misbah-ul-Haq speaking to the media.

"Pakistan has a strong chance to win the World Cup in India this year"

"Three of our batters are in the top ICC rankings. We have good bowling options. There is a need to just make the right plans at the right time. Select a competitive team and make your way in the World Cup strongly,"

"Batters take complete advantage on Indian wickets. Our batters need to work hard and make solid plans before going into the World Cup"

"We need to organise more ODIs for our team. Match practice will help our players get in rhythm before the big event"

“I think preparations should start straight away. As soon as [Pakistan] Shaheens return from Zimbabwe, PCB should try to arrange intra-squad matches between Pakistan team members and Pakistan Shaheens. They should make sure that all players are ready otherwise this gap till Asia Cup will be detrimental for Pakistan team in big events,”
 
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If Pakistan turn up I think they have the team to do well in ODIs. I've often said ODIs are Pak's strongest format as it perfectly suits their style of play.

I won't put them as favts though. I'll probably put them as one of the 4 semi finalists. Probably alongside India, Australia, and South Africa.. I have a feeling England will not do all that well in India.

Be wary of Bangladesh, they may not make it to the last 4, but I can see them doing really well in the WC.
 
Pakistan ODI team in subcontinent conditions is as good as anyone. I'd back us to beat all except probably India.
 
If Pakistan turn up I think they have the team to do well in ODIs. I've often said ODIs are Pak's strongest format as it perfectly suits their style of play.

I won't put them as favts though. I'll probably put them as one of the 4 semi finalists. Probably alongside India, Australia, and South Africa.. I have a feeling England will not do all that well in India.

Be wary of Bangladesh, they may not make it to the last 4, but I can see them doing really well in the WC.

Conditions will be wildy varying. Red soild, black soild, mixutre of red/black soil. You never know which pitch you will get. Some conditions may assist swing. Some may not. Spinners will thoroughly enjoy and will play as massive role in the fortunes of teams. Team has to be very good against spin.
 
Younis Khan speaking to the media

"I feel very confident that Pakistan will make it to the top four in World Cup. Because there are match-winners in the side who can win you matches any day"

"There is a need to plan strongly for each game. We have good fast bowlers as always and they will be our strength. We need to play as a unit,"

"Match against India has always been a pressure game. Babar needs to make plan A and B to win against India,"
 
Wasim Akram bullish on Pakistan's World Cup chances

Pakistan great Wasim Akram believes his former side have enough quality in their ranks to be a major player at this year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.

Wasim was part of the famous team that helped Pakistan claim their only World Cup title at the MCG back in 1992, and the legendary quick thinks a second trophy may come later this year if their best players can remain fit and in form.

Pakistan are led by the No.1-ranked ODI batter in Babar Azam and have an experienced group of players to support him.

Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman will be among the key batters, while Pakistan can turn to a pace attack that includes Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah.

All the ingredients are there for Pakistan to be among the favourites to claim a second World Cup title this year and Wasim expects the conditions that teams will face in India during the tournament will also favour his former side.

"We have a good side...a very good one-day side and are led by one of the modern-day greats in Babar Azam," Wasim told the ICC.

"As long as they are fit and as long as they play according to the plan, they will have a chance of doing well in that World Cup because it is played in our type of conditions in India on the sub-continent."

Wasim is a massive fan of Babar and would not be surprised to see the inspirational Pakistan skipper raise his game even further during the World Cup.

"I think he can (get better) as he is the best player we have," Wasim noted.

"The whole country follows him, everything he does. He gets people into the stadium and it doesn't matter whether it is T20, one-dayers or Test cricket and, in my opinion, he has the most beautiful cover drive in the world."

ICC
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">If Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals, they will play in Kolkata.<br><br>If India qualify for the semi-finals, they will play in Mumbai unless playing against Pakistan, in which case they will play in Kolkata<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketWorldCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketWorldCup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1673592772509462530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Pakistan play sub-continental rivals India in Ahmedabad on 15 October and Bangladesh in Kolkata on 31 October, as per the schedule of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 announced today in Mumbai.

Pakistan begin their campaign in Hyderabad against the two qualifiers while they play defending champions England in their last league match on 12 November. The tournament runs from 5 October to 19 November.

Ten teams feature in what will be the biggest Cricket World Cup ever, across 10 venues, with the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad hosting the tournament opener and the final.

The other venues are Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Dharamsala, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai and Pune. Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram join Hyderabad in hosting the practice games.

Eight teams have qualified for the 46-day event through the Cricket World Cup Super League while the final two spots will be taken by the finalists of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier taking place in Zimbabwe.

The tournament retains the round-robin format of last time with all teams playing against each other for a total of 45 league matches. There are six day matches in the tournament, which will start at 10h30 local time. All other matches, including the knockouts, will be day-night fixtures starting at 14h00.

The top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals to be played in Mumbai on 15 November and in Kolkata on 16 November. The semi-finals and the final will have reserve days.

Pakistan’s fixtures at World Cup (day-night matches unless indicated otherwise):

6 October – vs Qualifier 1, Hyderabad
12 October – vs Qualifier 2, Hyderabad
15 October – vs India, Ahmedabad
20 October – vs Australia, Bengaluru
23 October – vs Afghanistan, Chennai
27 October – vs South Africa, Chennai
31 October – vs Bangladesh, Kolkata
4 November – vs New Zealand, Bengaluru (day match)
12 November – vs England, Kolkata
 
Pakistan will definitely slip up in atleast two games against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Qualifier 2. They're no India or Australia to consistently get those results against the lower sides.

Once they'll slip up , there'll be enormous pressure on them in the games against the stronger sides. Their lack of ruthlessness will definitely bite them once again like it did in the previous edition when WI destroyed them.
 
Definitely need to dispatch both qualifiers and one of India or Australia and I'll be more confident of reaching semis.
 
With the team Pakistan has, it would be completely foolish for them to boycott the World Cup. Come to India, show your fighting abilities, beat India, and win the finals ..... that should be their aim.

There is a world Cup, Champions trophy almost every year now. Missing one wouldn't have made a big difference tbh.

Indian curators will ensure Pakistan gets an unfriendly pitch in every match which will greatly reduce Pakistan's chance of winning.

Pakistan in order to win not only has to compete with the opposing team but the pitch curators and Indian media as well.

Ideally, Pakistan should have boycotted this world Cup and taken a principle stand but then this is not something you expect from PCB.
 
Pakistan play sub-continental rivals India in Ahmedabad on 15 October and Bangladesh in Kolkata on 31 October, as per the schedule of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 announced today in Mumbai.

Pakistan begin their campaign in Hyderabad against the two qualifiers while they play defending champions England in their last league match on 12 November. The tournament runs from 5 October to 19 November.

Ten teams feature in what will be the biggest Cricket World Cup ever, across 10 venues, with the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad hosting the tournament opener and the final.

The other venues are Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Dharamsala, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai and Pune. Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram join Hyderabad in hosting the practice games.

Eight teams have qualified for the 46-day event through the Cricket World Cup Super League while the final two spots will be taken by the finalists of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier taking place in Zimbabwe.

The tournament retains the round-robin format of last time with all teams playing against each other for a total of 45 league matches. There are six day matches in the tournament, which will start at 10h30 local time. All other matches, including the knockouts, will be day-night fixtures starting at 14h00.

The top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals to be played in Mumbai on 15 November and in Kolkata on 16 November. The semi-finals and the final will have reserve days.

Pakistan’s fixtures at World Cup (day-night matches unless indicated otherwise):

6 October – vs Qualifier 1, Hyderabad
12 October – vs Qualifier 2, Hyderabad
15 October – vs India, Ahmedabad
20 October – vs Australia, Bengaluru
23 October – vs Afghanistan, Chennai
27 October – vs South Africa, Chennai
31 October – vs Bangladesh, Kolkata
4 November – vs New Zealand, Bengaluru (day match)
12 November – vs England, Kolkata

Minimum of 6 games need to be won to get into the top 4.
 
Indian curators will ensure Pakistan gets an unfriendly pitch in every match which will greatly reduce Pakistan's chance of winning.


Loading up on the excuses already. :91:

For ICC tournaments, pitch curation is under ICC's control. Besides, good teams find a way to win in all conditions by building a well rounded team. The fact that Pak fans are even having this paranoia says a lot about the limitations of their team to play in certain conditions.
 
Loading up on the excuses already. :91:

For ICC tournaments, pitch curation is under ICC's control. Besides, good teams find a way to win in all conditions by building a well rounded team. The fact that Pak fans are even having this paranoia says a lot about the limitations of their team to play in certain conditions.

I think the way ICC is because its all about Money, they will want to ensure that India and Pakistan are in the semi finals. If either team play each other in semi finals or finals than it will generate crazy amount of money. I Suspect pitches too suit both India and Pakistan.
 
Pakistan will definitely slip up in atleast two games against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Qualifier 2. They're no India or Australia to consistently get those results against the lower sides.

Once they'll slip up , there'll be enormous pressure on them in the games against the stronger sides. Their lack of ruthlessness will definitely bite them once again like it did in the previous edition when WI destroyed them.

Pak might lose a few games but the nature of 10 team world cup, suits Pakistan, and will allow them to peak at the right time and get into semi finals.

Previous edition was in 2019, this Pak team is alot stronger, however you should worry about your India, its this overconfidence which keeps India from winning and consistantly lose in semi finals or finals.

India will do well since home advantage i do suspect them to lose a few games, and end up losing in semi finals or finals.
 
Shame we are going into this WC with a glaring hole in the middle, had ample time to sort it out but groupism, nepotism and incompetency comes first rather than the small matter of winning a WC in India.
 
I think the way ICC is because its all about Money, they will want to ensure that India and Pakistan are in the semi finals. If either team play each other in semi finals or finals than it will generate crazy amount of money.



I don't know why this non-sense keeps getting peddled in every ICC tournament. ICC won't earn anything extra from the sponsors or the broadcasters if there's an India vs Pakistan SF/Final. The broadcasting and sponsoring rights are already sold way way before the knockout teams are determined so how will the presence/absence of any team in the KOs affect ICC revenues.
 
Previous edition was in 2019, this Pak team is alot stronger, however you should worry about your India, its this overconfidence which keeps India from winning and consistantly lose in semi finals or finals.


Lol why so 'sensitive' brother? The thread is about Pakistan so I gave my honest opinion about it's chances at the world cup. No need to get worked up over it..
 
I don't know why this non-sense keeps getting peddled in every ICC tournament. ICC won't earn anything extra from the sponsors or the broadcasters if there's an India vs Pakistan SF/Final. The broadcasting and sponsoring rights are already sold way way before the knockout teams are determined so how will the presence/absence of any team in the KOs affect ICC revenues.

No need to get sensitive, you cant deny that much will enure more ticket sales and revenue, its a fact at the end of the day ICC wants both teams in semi finals.
 
Lol why so 'sensitive' brother? The thread is about Pakistan so I gave my honest opinion about it's chances at the world cup. No need to get worked up over it..

Not getting worked up over it, your opinon is fine, just giving my own as well
 
No need to get sensitive, you cant deny that much will enure more ticket sales and revenue, its a fact at the end of the day ICC wants both teams in semi finals.


Ticket sales contribute nothing in comparison to the broadcasting and sponsorship deals. And even if Pakistan doesn't go through, knockout games involving India will fill up any cricket stadium in the world let alone in India. We filled up the whole MCG for a group stage game against Zimbabwe. Hilarious if you think, Pakistan are needed in the knockouts to sell more tickets lol.
 
if pakistan can handle pressure they can go to finals. If babar feels the heat it gonna get worst for pakistan .
 
A lot of times PAK goes into WC as a darkhorse. This time around, they are one of the favorites to lift the cup. Got the batting, bowling and a young team. Would be a shame if you guys don't make it to at least the semifinals.
 
Ticket sales contribute nothing in comparison to the broadcasting and sponsorship deals. And even if Pakistan doesn't go through, knockout games involving India will fill up any cricket stadium in the world let alone in India. We filled up the whole MCG for a group stage game against Zimbabwe. Hilarious if you think, Pakistan are needed in the knockouts to sell more tickets lol.

Again downplaying Pakistan just answer this simple question and be honest with your answer : What is the match people want to see India vs Pakistan or India vs Zimbabwe, by the way (the ind vs zim) match did have a big crowd but it was not a full house, only full house match was india vs Pakistan.
 
A lot of times PAK goes into WC as a darkhorse. This time around, they are one of the favorites to lift the cup. Got the batting, bowling and a young team. Would be a shame if you guys don't make it to at least the semifinals.

No batting is top heavy, middle order is more crumblier than a Cadburys Flake.
 
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