Former Pakistani fast bowler, Shoaib Akhtar, has expressed his disappointment with the International Cricket Council (ICC) for overlooking skipper Babar Azam in the promotional video for the upcoming World Cup 2023. Babar Azam currently holds the top spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings, making his exclusion from the promo all the more perplexing.
World Cup promo without world’s best?
The ICC recently unveiled the much-anticipated promo for World Cup 2023, featuring Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan in the lead role. However, the absence of Babar Azam didn’t sit well with cricket fans worldwide, who quickly took to social media to express their discontent.
The official tweet
Whoever thought that World Cup promo will be complete without Pakistan & Babar Azam's significant presence, has actually presented himself as a joke.
Come on guys, time to grow up a bit.— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) July 22, 2023
Critics in the cricket fraternity also pointed out that the promo seemed to heavily focus on the Indian cricket team, as India’s cricket governing body, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is hosting the tournament. This further fueled the debate surrounding the selection of players to feature in the promo.
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As anticipation for the World Cup builds, the ICC’s decision has sparked discussions about the need for a more inclusive approach in promoting cricket’s flagship event, ensuring representation from all top players, regardless of their nationality or team affiliation.
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