BLOGGING THE VIEW: Here’s what you need to know about the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup
If you didn't know the ICC Cricket World Cup was under way, read on for a quick catch-up!
IF, like me, you’re utterly flabbergasted to learn that the Cricket World Cup has just got under way (I mean, isn’t the Rugby World Cup still going??), here’s a quick update so you don’t sound like an ignoramus at the watering hole.
1. Who is actually playing?
There are 10 countries competing in this year’s ICC Cricket World Cup. In addition to us (fingers crossed), this year welcomes India, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
2. Wait, someone is missing!
That’s right, you might’ve noticed that two-time winning side the West Indies don’t feature this year. They made a shock omission after missing out on the nine qualification spots (the hosts getting automatic qualification).
3. So, who are the hosts?
This year will see the teams compete in what is now arguably the heart of international cricket – India. Matches will be hosted throughout the country, with host cities Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Dharamshala, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, New Delhi, Mumbai and Pune.
4. How does qualifying work?
Outside of hosting the tournament, teams have to go through a three-year qualification process which is made up of multiple stages and tournaments. Defending champions England, and six other teams qualified on the basis of ICC Super League rankings from July 2020 to May 2023. The Netherlands and Sri Lanka took the final two in a knockout qualification stage.
5. How does it all play out?
The first stage is a round-robin format, with every team playing each other once – that’s 45 one-day international (ODI) cricket matches, so buckle up! This ends with a match on 12 November when India takes on the Netherlands. The top four teams after the first stage qualify for the semi-finals on 15 and 16 November, before the big clash.
6. Let’s fast-forward to the final
After 47 matches, we get to the final on 19 November! This will take place at Ahmedabad’s 132 000-seat Narendra Modi Stadium – the largest cricket venue in the world!
As to the rules, that’s another blog altogether! Enjoy
SOURCES:
https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2023/9/25/icc-cricket-world-cup-2023-india-all-you-need-to-know-preview
https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/cricket/2023/10/04/cricket-world-cup-quirky-facts-and-favourites-to-win/
