In this article, we mention Some lesser-known facts about Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir, a renowned Indian cricketer, is celebrated for his impressive career on the cricket field. However, beyond his batting prowess lies a fascinating persona with many intriguing facets that often escape the spotlight.

Also Read: 5 World Cup Winners To Serve As Head Coach Of Indian Cricket Team

Here are five lesser-known facts about the man behind the cricketer Gautam Gambhir

• Adoption by Grandparents: Born into a humble family, Gambhir’s life took an unexpected turn when he was adopted by his grandparents soon after birth. What began as a visit to introduce the newborn to his grandparents turned into a lifelong bond.
• Nurtured by Grandparents: Enveloped by their love and care, Gambhir grew up under the nurturing guidance of his grandparents. This upbringing played a significant role in shaping his character and resilience.

• Marriage and Family Life: Beyond the cricketing arena, Gautam Gambhir finds solace in the warmth of family life. In 2011 he married Natasha Jain beginning a journey of companionship and love.
• Cherishing Family Moments: The couple is blessed with two daughters, Aazeen and Anaiza. Gautam Gambhir cherishes every moment spent with his beloved family often indulging in long drives and quality time together.

• Passion for Gaming: While Gambhir’s exploits on the cricket field have garnered widespread acclaim, he harbours a passion for gaming off the pitch.
• Hobbies and Interests: He enjoys reading and adrenaline-fueled drives, and finds joy in immersing himself in the virtual realm of PlayStation games, unwinding amidst the digital landscapes of virtual competition.

• Historical Feat in Test Cricket: In 2009, Gautam Gambhir etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket history by achieving a rare feat in Test cricket.
• Consecutive Centuries: He became only the fourth Indian batsman to score three consecutive centuries in the longest format of the game, showcasing his batting prowess and resilience and leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
• Aspiration to Serve in the Armed Forces: Amidst his cricketing pursuits Gautam Gambhir harboured aspirations beyond the boundary ropes. He had a deep-seated desire to serve his nation by joining the armed forces.
• Reflections on Regret: Reflecting on his journey Gambhir expressed regret at not pursuing his passion for the military citing it as his “first love” and a poignant reminder of unfulfilled aspirations.

The 13th edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup is imminent, generating immense excitement among cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Fast bowlers have assumed a central role in determining the outcomes of matches as the majestic event is once again being hosted in India. With Chinnaswamy’s spin-friendly pitch, Eden’s ground-breaking outfield, Mumbai witnessing Dhoni’s historic six, and the brisk pitch at Dharamsala for the Himachal side, anticipation is high for a thrilling display of bowling prowess.

Top 3 teams with raw pace bowling

1. India

India, the two-time champions and hosts of the 13th edition, wield a formidable pace attack capable of dismantling any opposition. With Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna returning to action after recovering from injuries, India’s pace attack ranks among the tournament’s strongest. The potential bowlers for the World Cup encompass Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur, and Hardik Pandya. This versatile pace attack addresses all aspects, with the exception of a left-arm seamer.

2. Australia

Australia emerges as a prominent contender for the World Cup title, fielding one of the most seasoned and exceptional fast bowling units. Each of their bowlers boasts extensive experience in Indian conditions. The prospective bowlers for the World Cup comprise Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, and Marcus Stoinis. The trio of Starc, Hazlewood, and Cummins is arguably the world’s best, renowned for delivering outstanding performances on the grandest stages. Pat Cummins, celebrated for his pinpoint accuracy, spearheads the attack during the middle overs alongside all-rounders Stoinis and Marsh. The backup bowlers possess the capability to secure a spot in the first-choice XI.

3. Pakistan

Pakistan, renowned for its illustrious history of fast bowling, has left an indelible mark on recent ICC events. The team’s chances of clinching the coveted trophy hinge largely on the performance of their in-form pace unit. The potential bowlers for the World Cup include Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr., and Faheem Ashraf. The formidable trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf constitutes a lethal new-ball combination, consistently delivering deliveries at speeds exceeding 140 km/h, executing precise yorkers, and inducing accurate swings.

ICC World Cup 2023 venues: Full list of cities and stadiums for WC 2023

Ahmedabad: Narendra Modi Stadium, Motera (England v New Zealand tournament opener; India v Pakistan; final)
Bengaluru: M Chinnaswamy Stadium
Chennai: MA Chidambaram Stadium
Delhi: Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium
Dharamsala: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium
Lucknow: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium
Hyderabad: Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Uppal
Pune: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium
Kolkata: Eden Gardens
Mumbai: Wankhede Stadium

The 13th edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup is just around the corner, and cricket enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly anticipating this grand spectacle. As the event returns to India, the role of spin bowlers is expected to be pivotal in determining match outcomes. In a country known for its diverse pitches and spin-friendly conditions, two venues, in particular, stand out as potential hotspots for spinners to shine: the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai and the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

India’s World Cup Squad

– Captain: Rohit Sharma
– Batsmen: Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer
– Wicketkeepers: KL Rahul (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK)
– All-rounders: Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (VC), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel
– Spin Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav
– Fast Bowlers: Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah

Yuzvendra Chahal, who was omitted from the Asia Cup squad, continues to be sidelined for the World Cup. Kuldeep Yadav has been chosen as the sole wrist spinner in the squad, with Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel providing additional spin options. Ishan Kishan, who played a crucial role with a half-century against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, retains his spot as the backup wicketkeeper-batsman.

Top 3  Turnings Cricket Pitches  In ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Venues

MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

The MA Chidambaram Stadium, also known as Chepauk, holds a special place in the hearts of cricket fans. With a rich history and a tradition of producing turning tracks, Chepauk has often been a fortress for spin bowlers. The slow, dusty, and abrasive pitches in Chennai provide the ideal conditions for spinners to exploit.

The pitches at Chepauk typically offer significant turn, especially as the match progresses. Spinners who can vary their pace and extract sharp turn are likely to thrive. Spinners have the ability to control the tempo of the game by slowing down the run rate and taking crucial wickets in the middle overs. The abrasive nature of the pitches can also aid reverse swing, making spinners even more effective in partnership with fast bowlers.

With spinners like Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel in the squad, India possesses a formidable spin attack capable of dominating proceedings at Chepauk.

Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow

The Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, also known as the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, is one of the newer venues in India. While it may not have the same historical significance as some of the older stadiums, it has quickly established itself as a ground that assists spinners.

The pitches at Ekana Stadium offer consistent bounce, which allows spinners to generate sharp turn and bounce off the surface.  Spinners who can vary their line, length, and pace will find success here, as the pitch responds well to changes in trajectory. The clayey soil in Lucknow provides spinners with an opportunity to extract grip and spin, making it a challenging proposition for batsmen.

India’s squad includes Kuldeep Yadav, a wrist spinner known for his ability to extract turn and deceive batsmen. His inclusion in matches at Ekana Stadium could prove instrumental in India’s quest for World Cup glory.

Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, formerly known as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, is one of the largest cricket stadiums in the world. While it is renowned for its impressive infrastructure, the pitch conditions also favor spin bowlers.

Ahmedabad’s dry and arid climate can result in pitches that assist spinners by breaking up and deteriorating as the game progresses. Spinners who can adapt to the variable bounce and turn on offer will have a significant advantage in this stadium. The historic clash IND vs PAK is also being hosted by Narendra Modi Stadium.

The Dutch cricket team is gearing up for the upcoming ICC World Cup in India, marking their return to the 50-over format on the world stage after more than a decade. The Royal Dutch Cricket Federation (KNCB) has named a 15-member squad that includes both familiar faces and promising debutants.

Return of Key Players

Among the notable inclusions in the squad are Roelof van der Merwe, Paul van Meekeren, Colin Ackermann, and the exciting prospect Sybrand Engelbrecht, who is in line to make his debut for the Dutch team. These players bring a wealth of experience and skill to the side.

While Scott Edwards will continue to captain the team and handle wicketkeeping duties, the core of the squad that finished as runners-up in the World Cup Qualifier has been retained. This continuity should provide stability and familiarity as the team prepares for the global competition.

Netherlands Squad

Here is the complete squad for the ICC World Cup:

– Scott Edwards (Captain)
– Max O’Dowd
– Vikram Singh
– Sybrand Engelbrecht
– Wesley Barresi
– Colin Ackermann
– Bas de Leede
– Teja Nidamanuru
– Roelof van der Merwe
– Logan van Beek
– Saqib Zulfiqar
– Shariz Ahmad
– Ryan Klein
– Aryan Dutt
– Paul van Meekeren

Sybrand Engelbrecht’s Journey

One of the most intriguing stories in this squad is that of Sybrand Engelbrecht. Engelbrecht, a former Cape Cobras batsman, represented South Africa in the 2008 Under-19 World Cup. However, he recently became eligible to play for the Netherlands after residing and playing cricket there for several years. His journey in Dutch cricket began with HBS Craeyenhout in 2015 and has now culminated with Voorburg CC, whom he led to the national championship this season.

The Return of Key Absentees

The Dutch squad also welcomes back some key players who were absent during the World Cup Qualifier due to their county commitments. Paul van Meekeren, who plies his trade for Somerset, Colin Ackermann of Leicestershire, and Roelof van der Merwe, who represents Gloucestershire, are expected to join the team in India. Their international experience and skills will undoubtedly bolster the Dutch side.

Durham’s Bas de Leede, who played a vital role in the team’s qualification, will also be rejoining the squad in India.

Notable Absences

While the Dutch team welcomes back several stars, some players will miss out on the World Cup campaign. Timm van der Gugten of Glamorgan has made himself unavailable due to family commitments, and Kent’s Fred Klaassen remains sidelined with a stress fracture. Shane Snater from Essex and Brandon Glover from Durham also miss the cut.

Talking about the team

Speaking about the integration of returning players into the squad, the Dutch coach emphasized the strong bond and unity within the team. Even during their absence, these players remained closely connected to the group, sharing videos and contributing to the team culture.

Sybrand Engelbrecht’s inclusion is seen as a positive move to broaden the player pool. He has performed consistently for his club in the Netherlands and impressed with his performances for the A side against Guernsey.

The excitement for the ICC World Cup 2023 is building up as the tournament is set to kick off on October 5 in India. Among the ten participating teams, Pakistan is expected to be a formidable contender in the competition. In this article, we provide an overview of Pakistan’s World Cup squad and their schedule.

The Tournament Format

The ICC World Cup 2023 is set to include ten teams, comprising Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, England, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and the Netherlands. The competition will adhere to a round-robin structure, where each team will compete against all the other teams once during the league stage.

For Pakistan in the World Cup 2023, the journey entails a schedule of nine matches leading up to the semi-finals. Their campaign commences with a match against the Netherlands on October 6, concluding with their last league encounter against England on November 11.

Pakistan’s World Cup History

In the previous edition of the World Cup in 2019, Pakistan fell short of reaching the semi-finals. However, they displayed their prowess by reaching the final of the T20 World Cup last year in Australia. With their strong performances in recent tournaments, Pakistan enters the World Cup 2023 as a strong contender to clinch the title.

The tournament’s location in India offers Pakistan favorable conditions similar to their home country. Notably, Pakistan has not played in India since 2016, adding to the anticipation surrounding their performance in this World Cup.

Pakistan’s World Cup 2023 Schedule

Here is Pakistan’s schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023:

– October 6: Pakistan vs Netherlands (Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad) – 2:00 PM IST
– October 10: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka (Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad) – 2:00 PM IST
– October 14: Pakistan vs India (Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad) – 2:00 PM IST
– October 20: Pakistan vs Australia (M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru) – 2:00 PM IST
– October 23: Pakistan vs Afghanistan (MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai) – 2:00 PM IST
– October 27: Pakistan vs South Africa (MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai) – 2:00 PM IST
– October 31: Pakistan vs Bangladesh (Eden Gardens, Kolkata) – 2:00 PM IST
– November 4: Pakistan vs New Zealand (M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru) – 10:30 AM IST
– November 11: Pakistan vs England (Eden Gardens, Kolkata) – 2:00 PM IST

Pakistan’s Probable Squad for World Cup 2023

While the official squad for the World Cup 2023 is yet to be announced, it is expected to closely resemble the squad named for the Asia Cup 2023 a few weeks ago. Leading the team will be Babar Azam, with key players such as Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, and Shadab Khan expected to make significant contributions.

Probable Squad: Babar Azam (Captain), 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.

England is gearing up to defend their ICC World Cup title as they head to India for the highly anticipated ICC World Cup 2023. As the defending champions, England has their sights set on retaining the trophy they clinched in the previous edition, where they triumphed over New Zealand in a nail-biting final.

The ICC World Cup 2023 is scheduled to kick off on October 5, with India playing host to this cricketing extravaganza. This edition will witness a fierce competition among ten formidable teams, including England, India, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, the Netherlands, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.

England’s campaign in the ICC World Cup 2023 is set to be an action-packed journey, featuring a total of nine league stage matches. Each team will face off against the others once before the semi-finals. England’s league stage will culminate with a clash against Pakistan on November 11.

While England has claimed the ODI World Cup title only once before, in the 2019 edition, they have been perennial finalists and consistently ranked among the strongest contenders in the tournament. With an impressive record and a squad brimming with talent, England aims to add another trophy to their collection.

England has already unveiled their preliminary squad for the World Cup, with the dynamic Jos Buttler leading the team. Buttler, who has been a pivotal player for England, will not only captain the side but also play a crucial role in guiding the team’s fortunes.

In a significant development, Ben Stokes has come out of his ODI retirement and will don the England jersey once again for the World Cup campaign. Stokes, known for his remarkable all-round abilities, adds depth and experience to the team.

The England squad also features key players like Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, and Jason Roy, who bring their own unique strengths to the team’s lineup. However, it’s worth noting that emerging talent Harry Brook, despite his impressive performances, did not secure a spot in the preliminary squad.

As the countdown to the ICC World Cup 2023 begins, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await England’s journey in their quest for glory. With a strong squad and a rich cricketing history, England promises to be a formidable force in the tournament.

England’s ICC World Cup 2023 Schedule

England’s path to World Cup glory involves a total of nine league stage matches, where they will compete against each of the other participating teams. Here’s a look at England’s schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023:

– October 5: England vs. New Zealand (1st Match) at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (2:00 PM IST)
– October 10: England vs. Bangladesh (7th Match) at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala (2:00 PM IST)
– October 15: England vs. Afghanistan (13th Match) at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi (2:00 PM IST)
– October 21: England vs. South Africa (20th Match) at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai (2:00 PM IST)
– October 26: England vs. Sri Lanka (25th Match) at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (2:00 PM IST)
– October 29: England vs. India (29th Match) at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow (2:00 PM IST)
– November 4: England vs. Australia (36th Match) at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (2:00 PM IST)
– November 8: England vs. Netherlands (40th Match) at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune (2:00 PM IST)
– November 11: England vs. Pakistan (44th Match) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata (2:00 PM IST)

Australia is gearing up for the ICC World Cup 2023, and their campaign commences with a much-anticipated clash against India. Renowned for their cricketing prowess, Australia undeniably stands as one of the most formidable contenders in the tournament. Earlier this year, they showcased their dominance by clinching victory against India in a gripping away ODI series.

The ICC World Cup 2023 is poised to witness a fierce showdown among ten formidable teams vying for the ultimate glory in cricket. Australia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, New Zealand, South Africa, and the Netherlands are all set to engage in an electrifying round-robin format.

Australia’s expedition in the tournament encompasses a total of nine league-stage encounters, promising fans a thrilling rollercoaster of cricketing excitement. They will initiate their World Cup voyage with a face-off against India on October 8, culminating with their final league-stage showdown against Bangladesh on November 11.

In the previous edition of the ODI World Cup, Australia’s journey was marked by their progression to the semi-finals. However, they faced a formidable England side and narrowly missed out on securing a spot in the final. Australia’s history in the World Cup is illustrious, having clinched the coveted trophy a record five times, establishing them as the most successful team in the tournament’s storied history.

Steering Australia’s charge in the ICC World Cup 2023 is the dynamic Pat Cummins, who will lead the team as captain. Cummins, celebrated for his versatile cricketing skills, is poised to play a pivotal role in guiding the team towards triumph.

Australia has already unveiled its preliminary squad for the tournament, featuring a talented ensemble of 18 players. However, the final squad will see the omission of three players. The squad comprises a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents, all fervently prepared to represent their nation on the grand stage of ODI cricket

Australia: Preliminary squad for ICC World Cup 2023

Pat Cummins (C), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

Australia: Schedule for ICC World Cup 2023

Australia’s journey in the ICC World Cup 2023 is marked by a demanding schedule comprising ten league-stage matches, where they will face off against each of the participating teams. Here’s a glimpse of Australia’s fixtures for the tournament:

– October 8: Australia vs. India (5th Match) at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai (2:00 PM IST)
– October 12: Australia vs. South Africa (10th Match) at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow (2:00 PM IST)
– **October 16: Australia vs. Sri Lanka (14th Match) at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow (2:00 PM IST)
– October 20: Australia vs. Pakistan (18th Match) at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (2:00 PM IST)
– October 25: Australia vs. Netherlands (24th Match) at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi (2:00 PM IST)
– October 28: Australia vs. New Zealand (27th Match) at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala (10:30 AM IST)
– November 4: Australia vs. England (36th Match) at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (2:00 PM IST)
– November 7: Australia vs. Afghanistan (39th Match) at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai (2:00 PM IST)
– November 12: Australia vs. Bangladesh (43rd Match) at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune (10:30 AM IST)

The ICC World Cup 2023 is set to kick off on October 5, hosted by India, where ten formidable teams will engage in an epic cricketing showdown. The tournament boasts a diverse mix of participants, comprising five Asian and five non-Asian teams, promising thrilling encounters throughout.

In this riveting cricket spectacle, the Asian contingent includes India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, while the non-Asian sides feature Australia, New Zealand, England, South Africa, and the Netherlands.

India, as the host nation, enters the tournament as one of the favorites to clinch the coveted title. Leading the charge for the men-in-blue is Rohit Sharma, who assumes the role of captain for the first time in an ODI World Cup.

The ICC World Cup 2023 is slated to witness a total of 48 matches, adhering to the familiar round-robin format akin to the previous edition. The tournament opener is scheduled for October 5, and cricket enthusiasts can look forward to an exhilarating final showdown on November 17.

The competition’s structure is straightforward: the top two teams from the league stage will secure berths in the semi-finals, with the victorious sides from the semis battling it out for the championship title. England, the defending champions from the 2019 edition, etched their name on the trophy after a thrilling final clash with New Zealand.

India: Schedule for ICC World Cup 2023

India’s journey in the ICC World Cup 2023 encompasses a challenging schedule of nine league-stage encounters, offering fans a feast of cricketing action. The action-packed voyage kicks off with a high-profile clash against Australia on October 8 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Here’s a glimpse of India’s fixtures for the tournament:

– October 8: India vs. Australia (5th Match) at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai (2:00 PM IST)
– October 11: India vs. Afghanistan (9th Match) at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi (2:00 PM IST)
– October 14: India vs. Pakistan (12th Match) at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (2:00 PM IST)
– October 19: India vs. Bangladesh (17th Match) at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune (2:00 PM IST)
– October 22: India vs. New Zealand (21st Match) at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala (2:00 PM IST)
– October 29: India vs. England (29th Match) at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow (2:00 PM IST)
-November 2: India vs. Sri Lanka (33rd Match) at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai (2:00 PM IST)
– November 5: India vs. South Africa (37th Match) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata (2:00 PM IST)
– November 12: India vs. Netherlands (43rd Match) at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (2:00 PM IST)

India: World Cup Squad 2023

India 15-player squad:

1. Rohit Sharma (Captain)
2. Shubman Gill
3. Virat Kohli
4. Shreyas Iyer
5. KL Rahul
6. Ishan Kishan
7. Suryakumar Yadav
8. Hardik Pandya
9. Ravindra Jadeja
10. Axar Patel
11. Shardul Thakur
12. Jasprit Bumrah
13. Kuldeep Yadav
14. Mohammed Shami
15. Mohammed Siraj

The ICC World Cup 2023 schedule was unveiled last week, and cricket enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating this mega event hosted by India. Among the participating teams, South Africa, often referred to as the “Proteas,” is gearing up for their campaign with their opening clash against Qualifier 2 in Delhi, scheduled for October 7. The tournament promises to be a cricketing extravaganza, spanning from October 5 to November 19 and featuring matches across ten stadiums in India. The iconic Ahmedabad stadium will host both the tournament opener and the grand final, with the two semi-finals set to take place in Mumbai and Kolkata. Alongside Ahmedabad, host cities include Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Dharamsala, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Pune. Each venue is slated to host five games, except for Hyderabad.

The Proteas have had their share of highs and lows in ICC World Cups. They reached the semi-finals in 1999 and 2015 but faced heartbreak by losing to Australia and New Zealand, respectively, in those crucial matches. South Africa is one of the three teams among the top 8 ICC-ranked sides that has never reached a World Cup final.

As they prepare for the ICC World Cup 2023, South Africa is in a phase of transition following the retirements of cricketing stalwarts like AB De Villiers, Faf du Plessis, and Hashim Amla. The captaincy role in white-ball cricket has been fluid, often changing based on the opposition. Faf du Plessis led the side in the last World Cup in England, and it remains to be seen who will take the helm in this campaign.

The ICC World Cup 2023 format will follow a round-robin structure, where the top teams will face each other once in the league stage. The top four teams from the league stage will advance to the playoffs, with the top two battling for supremacy in the final. This format mirrors the one used in the 2019 World Cup.

South Africa’s recent track record in ICC tournaments has been less than stellar. They suffered a league-stage exit in the last edition of the World Cup and managed to secure their spot in this year’s World Cup based on the Super League points table.

The Proteas kickstart their World Cup journey on October 7 in Delhi with a match against Sri Lanka. Over the course of the tournament, they will play nine league games, concluding with a fixture against Afghanistan on November 10 in Ahmedabad. South Africa’s matches will be held at eight different venues during the league stage.

Here is the complete World Cup schedule for South Africa:

South Africa’s ICC World Cup 2023: Schedule

– October 7: South Africa vs. Sri Lanka (4th Match) at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi (2:00 PM IST)
– October 12: Australia vs. South Africa (10th Match) at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow (2:00 PM IST)
– October 17: South Africa vs. Netherlands (15th Match) at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala (2:00 PM IST)
– October 21: England vs. South Africa (20th Match) at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai (2:00 PM IST)
– October 24 South Africa vs. Bangladesh (23rd Match) at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai (2:00 PM IST)
– October 27: Pakistan vs. South Africa (26th Match) at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai (2:00 PM IST)
– November 1: New Zealand vs. South Africa (32nd Match) at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune (2:00 PM IST)
– November 5: India vs. South Africa (37th Match) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata (2:00 PM IST)
– November 10: South Africa vs. Afghanistan (42nd Match) at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (2:00 PM IST)

South Africa’s ICC World Cup 2023: Squad

– Temba Bavuma (c)
– Gerald Coetzee
– Quinton de Kock
– Reeza Hendricks
– Marco Jansen
– Heinrich Klaasen
– Sisanda Magala
– Keshav Maharaj
– Aiden Markram
– David Miller
– Lungi Ngidi
– Anrich Nortje
– Kagiso Rabada
– Tabraiz Shamsi
– Rassie van der Dussen

The ICC World Cup 2023 schedule was recently unveiled, and cricket enthusiasts worldwide are gearing up for this highly anticipated event. The tournament is set to kick off on October 5, with the final showdown scheduled for November 19, both to be held in Ahmedabad. India has been entrusted with the honor of hosting the competition, marking their fourth time as co-hosts, with previous editions in 1987, 1996, and 2011.

Across the sprawling landscape of India, the tournament will unfold at ten venues, each hosting five games, except for Hyderabad, which will see action in three matches. The host cities include Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Dharamsala, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Pune, and Ahmedabad.

Turning our attention to New Zealand, the Kiwis have established themselves as formidable competitors on the global cricketing stage. However, they have yet to claim victory in the 50-over World Cup. Their closest brush with glory came in the 2019 edition when they reached the finals, only to be edged out by England in a thrilling encounter.

In preparation for the upcoming World Cup, New Zealand has faced some significant setbacks. Skipper Kane Williamson, a linchpin of their squad, sustained a knee injury during IPL 2022, ruling him out of both the IPL and the World Cup. Adding to their woes, key all-rounder Michael Bracewell suffered a ruptured Achilles injury while participating in the T20 Blast, rendering him unavailable for the next 6 to 8 months. Despite these challenges, the Kiwis remain a consistent force in World Cup events, often being labeled as the “dark horse” of ICC tournaments.

The tournament’s format will follow a round-robin structure, with all ten participating teams facing each other once in the league stage. The top four teams from this stage will advance to the semi-finals, culminating in a final showdown on November 19. Currently, eight teams have secured direct qualification, with two more slots to be filled through the Qualifiers.

New Zealand’s campaign in the ICC World Cup 2023 commences on October 5, where they will square off against England in the opening clash. Subsequently, they will engage in a series of encounters against each participating team in the league stage, with their final league match scheduled against Qualifier 2 on November 9.

New Zealand’s matches

Below, you’ll find the complete schedule for New Zealand’s journey in the tournament:

– October 5: England vs New Zealand, 1st Match at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (2:00 PM IST)
– October 9: New Zealand vs Netherlands, 6th Match at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad (2:00 PM IST)
– October 13: New Zealand vs Bangladesh, 11th Match at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai (10:30 AM IST)
– October 18: New Zealand vs Afghanistan, 16th Match at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai (2:00 PM IST)
– October 22: India vs New Zealand, 21st Match at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala (2:00 PM IST)
– October 28: Australia vs New Zealand, 27th Match at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala (10:30 AM IST)
– November 1: New Zealand vs South Africa, 32nd Match at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune (2:00 PM IST)
– November 4: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 35th Match at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (10:30 AM IST)
– November 9: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 41st Match at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (2:00 PM IST)

Regarding New Zealand’s World Cup squad, while Kane Williamson is the only confirmed member so far, the team’s composition for the Bangladesh ODI series is expected to provide a glimpse of the World Cup squad.

Bangladesh ODI series squad

The players named for the Bangladesh ODI series include:

– Lockie Ferguson (Captain)
– Finn Allen
– Chad Bowes
– Will Young
– Tom Blundell
– Dean Foxcroft
– Henry Nicholls
– Rachin Ravindra
– Cole McConchie
– Dane Cleaver
– Kyle Jamieson
– Adam Milne
– Ish Sodhi
– Blair Tickner
– Trent Boult