After releasing the promotional film for the 2023 ODI World Cup, which will begin on October 5 in India, the International Cricket Council (ICC) last week caused a stir online. The involvement of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was one of the factors that contributed to the film going viral on social media, particularly in the sub-continent area. Shoaib Akhtar, a Pakistani great, was furious about Babar Azam’s absence in the film and criticized the International Cricket Council for doing so.
The two minutes and 13 second animation features fan reactions and highlights from previous World Cup games, including the famous six by MS Dhoni that led India to victory in the 2011 tournament. In addition, it has a star-studded lineup of Indian cricketers, including Jemimah Rodrigues, Dinesh Karthik, and Shubman Gill. A few legends of the game, including Eoin Morgan, the 2019 World Cup-winning England captain, Jonty Rhodes, and Muttiah Muralitharan, also make cameo appearances.
Contrary to Akhtar’s assertion, the video does feature World Cup moments from the Pakistan cricket squad, as well as appearances by Wahab Riaz and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Unfortunately, neither Babar, the Pakistani captain, nor the nation’s 1992 World Cup victory were shown in the clip.
“Anyone assumed that Pakistan and Babar Azam’s strong participation in the World Cup advertising won’t be necessary, has essentially portrayed themselves as a joke. It’s time for you guys to mature a little, Akhtar tweeted.
The rematch of the 2019 World Cup final between England and New Zealand will serve as the opening match of the 2023 World Cup on October 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Since winning their second trophy in 2011, which they added to their historic 1983 victory, India has not hosted the ODI World Cup. Before the beginning of the competition, though, attention will be on the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match in Ahmedabad on October 15.
