ICC World Cup promo overlooks Pakistan team’s triumphs

ISLAMABAD: The recently released official promo for the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup 2023 has overlooked the achievements of the Pakistani cricket team.

The promo, graced by Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan with the trophy, portrayed a cinematic journey from the grounds of England, the host and winner of the 2019 World Cup, to the bustling streets of India, the host of the 2023 tournament.

The two-minute promo dominated by highlights from cricketing powerhouses like West Indies, India, Australia and England, has notably omitted the achievements of the Pakistani team.

Memorable moments from West Indies’ historic 75 World Cup win, India’s triumph in 1983 and 2011, Australia’s victories in 2015 and 2019, and England’s success on their home ground have been featured but amidst these enthralling highlights, Pakistan’s historic victory in Australia in 1992  has been overlooked.

Meanwhile, there were no glimpses of Pakistan’s cricketing sensation, Babar Azam, who held the number one spot in the latest ICC rankings, however, Virat Kohli could be seen in many frames.

Although the promo has shed slight attention to players such as Shaheen Afridi, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan and Wahab Riaz, it has provided limited coverage to Indian captain Rohit Sharma.

The promo has also failed to acknowledge Sri Lanka’s victory in 1996 final in Pakistan and Australia’s successful triumph in 1991, 2003, and 2007.