By the India Today Sports Desk: India is all set to host the highly anticipated 13th edition of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2023.
This prestigious tournament, scheduled to take place from October 5 to November 19, is eagerly awaited by cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
This milestone holds great significance as it signifies India’s inaugural hosting of the cup on its own, after having previously served as a co-host.
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The upcoming World Cup will showcase a total of ten teams, adhering to the familiar round-robin league format that captivated audiences during the 2019 edition of the tournament.
The matches are scheduled to take place in India, encompassing cities such as Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Dharamsala, Delhi, Chennai, Lucknow, Pune, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
Each match will be played in a 50-over format. The semi-finals are scheduled to be held in the vibrant cities of Mumbai and Kolkata, showcasing the rich cricketing heritage of these iconic locations.
The pinnacle of the tournament, the final match, will be graced by the grandeur of Ahmedabad, providing a fitting stage for the ultimate showdown.
The esteemed Australian fast bowler, Glenn McGrath, has recently unveiled his selection of the top four teams for the upcoming tournament.
In an interview with The Times of India, McGrath expressed his anticipation for the semi-finals of the tournament, predicting that Australia, India, England, and Pakistan will likely secure their spots in this stage.
It should come as no surprise that I am including Australia in that group of four. It is evident that India is currently competing in their home conditions.
England is currently displaying exceptional cricket skills, while Pakistan is also demonstrating commendable performance on the field. “According to McGrath, these four teams are undoubtedly the best contenders for the tournament,” McGrath confidently stated prior to the commencement of the event.
It is anticipated that Jasprit Bumrah, the pace bowler from India, will make a comeback for the upcoming tournament.
The pacer has been sidelined since September 2022 as a result of a back injury. Bumrah, having been chosen as the captain for the Ireland tour, is anticipated to achieve complete physical readiness leading up to the prestigious tournament.
McGrath praised Bumrah for his exceptional performance on the challenging Indian pitches, emphasizing that those who can thrive in such conditions are capable of excelling in any cricketing arena across the globe.
India is widely regarded as one of the most challenging environments for fast bowlers. The pitches available here do not possess the desired level of juiciness.
Currently, there is a notable emergence of young seam bowlers from India, who are likely unfamiliar to us.
The reason for the lack of emphasis on fast bowling in the past can be attributed to the fact that it was not as prioritized as it is in the present era.
According to McGrath, if you are able to achieve success in this particular context, it signifies that you possess the capability to thrive in any part of the world as a fast bowler.
