The recent release of the promotional video for the 2023 ODI World Cup by the ICC stirred excitement among cricket fans worldwide. However, the absence of Pakistan captain Babar Azam in the star-studded clip left former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar infuriated.
The two-minute video showcased iconic moments from past World Cup matches, including Indian cricket’s historic victory in 2011, and featured Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan alongside several Indian cricketers.
While the video did include glimpses of Pakistan’s World Cup moments, featuring Wahab Riaz and Shaheen Shah Afridi, it raised eyebrows for overlooking Babar Azam and the nation’s 1992 World Cup win. Akhtar expressed his disappointment on Twitter, stating that the promo lacked Pakistan’s significant presence and called for a more inclusive approach.
The 2023 ODI World Cup is set to kick off on October 5 in India, with a highly anticipated opening match between England and New Zealand. However, the spotlight will undoubtedly fall on the much-awaited India-Pakistan clash scheduled for October 15 in Ahmedabad.
