By: Aditya Ahuja
Anticipation is mounting as we are just a night’s sleep away from the start of the biggest cricketing event, the ICC World Cup 2023. Leading up to this grand event, the captains of the participating teams gathered today in Ahmedabad for the captains’ meet. Skippers Rohit Sharma, Babar Azam, Pat Cummins, Jos Buttler, and Kane Williamson took center stage as they fielded a barrage of questions from Ravi Shastri and former World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan.
The event covered a wide range of topics, from each team’s preparations and lessons learned from past events to more lighthearted discussions, which included some candid Biryani questions. Here is a brief glimpse into some of the key moments of the captains’ interaction.
Praise for Indian hospitality by Babar Azam
Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, commended the warm welcome extended to his team in India. Expressing gratitude for the hospitality, especially considering the absence of Pakistani fans due to travel restrictions, Babar hoped for unwavering support throughout the matches. When asked about his thoughts on biryani by Ravi Shastri, he responded, “It was great. I had always heard that Hyderabadi Biryani was excellent, and it lived up to its reputation.”
Anticipation builds for India vs Pakistan clash
Babar Azam expressed the team’s excitement about the much-anticipated India vs. Pakistan clash scheduled for October 14. While acknowledging its significance, he emphasized the importance of focusing on the two games preceding it. He said, “We are excited about the India clash. It is always a big match. But, we have two games before that.”
Rohit Sharma faces a barrage of questions
Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian cricket team, faced a barrage of questions regarding India’s status as the host nation and tournament favorite. He maintained that the team is excited to play and is unfazed by the pressures that accompany their status. “We were excited! Cricket is the biggest sport in India, so I am not surprised by the excitement. The World Cup is happening in India after 12 years,” he remarked. Rohit also handled a tricky question about the 2019 World Cup final with composure, stating, “It’s not my job to decide that.”
Kane Williamson reflects on 2019 heartbreak
Kane Williamson, captain of the New Zealand cricket team, took a moment to reflect on the heartbreak of the 2019 World Cup final. While acknowledging the unforgettable nature of that tournament, he emphasized the team’s complete focus on the upcoming competition. Williamson anticipates that the forthcoming World Cup will present unique challenges and experiences.
Pat Cummins’ confidence in Australia’s prospects
Pat Cummins, captain of the Australian cricket team, radiated confidence in his team’s abilities. Australia boasts a storied history of success in ODI World Cups, and Cummins is optimistic about their prospects in the upcoming tournament. “Australia have done very well in ODI World Cups over the years. Hoping to do the same this time around,” he expressed.
The captains’ meeting offered a glimpse into the camaraderie and competitive spirit that will define the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. As fans anxiously wait for ‘the day’, the captains and their teams are gearing up for an exciting cricket spectacle.
The opening game on October 5 will feature the 2019 World Cup finalists, England and New Zealand, and is set to start at 2 PM IST at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad.
