Skippers of rival cricket teams are eagerly anticipating the much-awaited clash between Pakistan and India in the upcoming Cricket World Cup, set to begin on Thursday. The tournament kicks off with the reigning champions, England, facing New Zealand in what promises to be an exciting competition.
The anticipation surrounding the India-Pakistan rivalry has captured the excitement of fans worldwide. Despite a rocky build-up, fans from both nations have engaged in a friendly online rivalry in the lead-up to the October 14 showdown.
Australia’s skipper, Pat Cummins, expressed the global significance of an India-Pakistan match, stating, “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, champions in 2011, is considered one of the favorites for a third title, boasting star batsman Virat Kohli. However, Australia, with experienced batsmen David Warner and Steve Smith, is also in contention for a sixth world title.
The tournament features a round-robin format, with all 10 teams playing each other once, and the top four advancing to the semi-finals. The final is scheduled for November 19 in Ahmedabad. England will be without star batsman Ben Stokes due to a hip injury, while New Zealand misses Kane Williamson, who is recovering from a knee injury.
Pakistan’s visit to India comes after a seven-year hiatus, marked by uncertainties that nearly led to a World Cup boycott. The team received visas just two days before their first warm-up game, and concerns about security for their clash with India led to rescheduling nine matches, causing a ripple effect on the tournament schedule.
Pakistan’s captain, Azam, expressed his team’s positive experience in India, saying, “I think the way people are responding towards our team, everyone enjoyed it. We are a week in Hyderabad, so it is not like we are in India; it is like we are home.”
