The Countdown Begins!
Get ready to witness a riveting prelude to cricketing glory as the official warm-up fixtures for the highly anticipated ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 have been unmasked! The cricketing arena is set to sizzle from 29 September to 3 October across India's vibrant cities - Guwahati, Hyderabad, and Thiruvananthapuram.
Mark your calendars, because the frenzy for tickets kicks off on 25 August. Brace yourselves for a cricketing feast like no other!
As tradition dictates, the warm-up matches will echo with the heartbeat of a 50-over encounter, yet they won't carry ODI status. A mesmerizing twist awaits as teams will flex their prowess by fielding their full 15-player squad in these exhilarating matches, an electrifying appetizer before the main course.
The stage is set, and the journey commences on 5 October when defending champions England cross swords with New Zealand in Ahmedabad, the crucible that will also witness the grand finale on 19 November. Without further ado, here's a glimpse of the cricketing saga that awaits:
Friday 29 September
Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
South Africa vs. Afghanistan, Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
New Zealand vs. Pakistan, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
Saturday 30 September
India vs. England, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
Australia vs. Netherlands, Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
Monday 2 October
England vs. Bangladesh, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
New Zealand vs. South Africa, Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
Tuesday 3 October
Afghanistan vs. Sri Lanka, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
India vs. Netherlands, Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
Pakistan vs. Australia, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
The cricketing cosmos is brimming with anticipation, as teams gear up to ignite the pitch with unparalleled vigor. Brace yourselves for an unparalleled cricketing spectacle that's bound to captivate hearts and set the stage ablaze!
[Submitted by Estea Rademeyer]