There are just a few days left until the start of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. This time the World Cup is scheduled to be played on Indian soil from October 5th to November 19th. The first match of the World Cup will be between New Zealand and England in Ahmedabad on October 5.
As the World Cup approaches, the number of injured players is also increasing. Many star players are currently struggling with injuries. There are some among them who may stay out of the World Cup…
Akshar Patel: Indian all-rounder Akshar Patel is the latest player on this list. Akshar was injured during the 2023 Asia Cup match against Bangladesh. Washington Sundar was called up to Sri Lanka for the Asia Cup final as a replacement for Axar Patel.
Travis Head: Head suffered a fracture in his left hand during the fourth ODI against South Africa. Fast bowler Gerald Coetzee’s bouncing ball hit Head’s left hand. After an injury, Head had to retire injured. If Head withdraws from the World Cup, the Australian selectors can add the in-form Marnus Labuschagne to the team.
Steve Smith: Steve Smith’s name is also on Australia’s injury list ahead of the World Cup. Smith is battling a left wrist injury. For this reason he will be out for four weeks. Smith is expected to return to the field through the ODI series against India.
Mitchell Starc: Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc is also struggling with injuries. After the Ashes series, this left-arm fast bowler suffered a shoulder injury and back pain. Like Smith, Starc can also make a comeback through the ODI series against India.
Team Saudi: It is doubtful whether New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee will play in the ODI World Cup. According to the New Zealand Cricket Board (NZC), Saudi injured himself while fielding during the fourth ODI against England and broke the bone in his right thumb.
Buffalo hot: Sri Lanka spinner Mahish Tikshina will not be able to take part in the Asia Cup final due to a hamstring injury. Tikshina was injured while fielding in the match against Pakistan. Despite the injury, he continued to play in that match.
Dushmantha Chameera: Sri Lanka fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera suffered a shoulder injury during the Lanka Premier League (LPL), which ruled him out of the 2023 Asia Cup. He also missed the ODI World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe.
Vanindu Hasaranga: The name of Sri Lankan star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is also on the list of injured players. Hasaranga could not play in the entire Asian Cup. Now it remains to be seen whether he is fit for the World Cup or not.
Naseem Shah: Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah may remain ruled out of the entire World Cup. Naseem suffered a shoulder injury during the Asia Cup match against India. Naseem’s shoulder was scanned in Dubai, which will further escalate tensions in Pakistan.
Haris Rauf: Haris Rauf, the right-arm fast bowler, is also injured. Rauf injured his arm during the match against India. Nevertheless, Rauf remained connected to the team. Pakistan captain Babar Azam expressed hope that Haris would be fit for the World Cup.
Enrique Norcia: This South Africa fast bowler had to withdraw from the current ODI series against Australia due to a stress fracture. Norkia is expected to start bowling again after the series ends and be fit for the World Cup.
Pat Cummins: Australian captain Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the South Africa tour due to a wrist injury. Cummins is also expected to return to the cricket field through the ODI series against India.
Besides these 11 players, Shreyas Iyer (India), Glenn Maxwell (Australia) and Adam Milne (New Zealand) are also suffering from injuries. This list could grow even longer in the coming days.
