“Celebrating Captaincy: ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Opens with a Bang”

The stage is set for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 as all 10 captains gathered at the world’s largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad on the eve of the tournament’s opening match. With 48 matches set to take place across 10 world-class venues over the next 45 days, this promises to be the biggest Cricket World Cup ever. The tournament starts with a repeat of the 2019 Final, as England take on New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

As part of the Captains’ Day celebrations, the 10 captains shared their thoughts and hopes for the tournament in an interactive panel session hosted by Ravi Shastri and England winning captain Eoin Morgan. The session provided a glimpse into the mindsets of the captains and their aspirations for their respective teams.

Pat Cummins, the captain of the Australian cricket team, expressed his excitement about the tournament and highlighted the significance of an India vs Pakistan match. He acknowledged that these matches bring together cricket fans from around the world and generate immense passion and anticipation. Cummins emphasized the importance of the tournament being held in India and the opportunity to witness the electric atmosphere created by over 100,000 fans.

Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian cricket team, spoke about his childhood dream of winning the 50-Over World Cup. He expressed his determination to achieve something special for his country and highlighted the immense support and love for cricket in India. Sharma assured fans that the tournament would be a grand success, with packed stadiums fuelled by the passion of Indian cricket enthusiasts.

Babar Azam, the captain of the Pakistan cricket team, expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality received in India. Azam emphasized the team’s focus on giving their best and enjoying the tournament. He described it as a golden opportunity for everyone to showcase their talents and make a strong statement. Azam also highlighted the positive spirit experienced during their time in Hyderabad, which made them feel at home.

Jos Buttler, the captain of the England cricket team, reflected on the team’s journey since 2015 and their commitment to playing a fearless and dynamic style of cricket. Buttler acknowledged that they may make mistakes along the way, but they strive to constantly push boundaries and evolve their game. He highlighted the importance of staying ahead of the curve in a sport where other teams are continuously challenging and raising the bar.

Hashmatullah Shahidi, the captain of the Afghanistan cricket team, spoke about their expectation of strong crowd support and the advantages their team possesses. Shahidi emphasized the presence of quality spinners in their squad and favorable conditions that suit their style of play. He expressed his belief that they would make a strong statement with their batting performance and showcase their ability to play excellent cricket.

Shakib Al Hasan, the captain of the Bangladesh cricket team, expressed confidence in the team’s preparations and improvement over the last four years. He highlighted their promising performance in the qualifiers and emphasized the team’s readiness to put on a good show. Hasan acknowledged the heightened expectations from their country and expressed the team’s determination to exceed their previous achievements.

Scott Edwards, the captain of the Netherlands cricket team, expressed the team’s excitement to participate in the tournament. He acknowledged the level of competition and the challenges posed by all teams, particularly the talented Pakistan side. Edwards emphasized their eagerness to get the tournament underway and give their best performance, starting with their match against Pakistan in Hyderabad.

Temba Bavuma, the captain of the South Africa cricket team, discussed the familiarity and advantage that certain players have with Indian conditions. Bavuma acknowledged that many teams have players with previous experience in India, and while it may not be a unique advantage for South Africa, they can draw upon that knowledge to devise strategies. He highlighted the importance of sharing that experience within the team to maximize their chances of success.

Dasun Shanaka, the captain of the Sri Lanka cricket team, acknowledged the recent struggles faced by the team due to injuries. However, he mentioned their good records in the past and the optimism surrounding their participation in the World Cup. Shanaka emphasized the team’s determination to perform well and make a strong statement in the tournament after a challenging period.

Kane Williamson, the captain of the New Zealand cricket team, embraced the challenges that come with participating in another global event and acknowledged the unique nature of each tournament. Williamson expressed his enthusiasm for the occasion and the immense support and love for sports in India. He looked forward to the thrilling competition and expected a well-supported tournament.