ICC World Cup 2023: Babar Azam Asks Nation For Prayers

APP

Islamabad: “As we head for the World Cup, we seek the prayers of all the Pakistan cricket team fans and well-wishers. I am certain that you will continue to extend your support and love, which you have always done,” wrote Pakistan Skipper Babar Azam on X.

The national team heads for the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, scheduled to be held in India from October 5 and concluding on November 19 in India.

Pakistan would play New Zealand on September 29 and Australia on October 3, respectively, in the warm-up fixtures prior to the ICC Cricket World Cup.

The warm-up matches would be held from September 29 to October 3 across three venues in India: Guwahati, Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram. However, Pakistan will open its World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on October 6 (Friday).

The Pakistan squad includes Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Usama Mir.

Three reserves have also been named: wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed and fast bowler Zaman Khan.