Former Pakistan cricketers, including Wasim Akram, Misbah-ul-Haq, and Shoaib Malik, have discussed the possibility of increasing the number of players in squads for teams competing in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023.
The conversation began with Akram questioning whether 15-member squads are sufficient for a tournament of this length and intensity, especially considering the hot weather conditions. He pointed out that in places like Chennai, where the temperature reaches 30 degrees, it can feel like 36 degrees.
In response, Malik advocated for a minimum of 18 players in World Cup squads. He emphasized the need to adapt the rules to the demands of such a long tournament. Moreover, he cited the example of New Zealand, which faced challenges due to injuries.
Misbah weighed in, suggesting that the squad size should be at least 16. He emphasized that it’s not only injuries that should be considered but also a player’s form. Misbah highlighted the current struggle of the Pakistan team in the spin department. He shed light on the fact that there is a capable spinner, Abrar Ahmed, who is not being utilized because he is named as a reserve player.
Our expert panellists suggest that squads should have had more than 15 players during the ICC World Cup 2023, considering the length of the tournament.#ASportsHD #ARYZAP #CWC23 #ThePavilion #WasimAkram #ShoaibMalik #MoinKhan #FakhreAlam #MisbahulHaq #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/AvmPMxHVSm
— ASports (@asportstvpk) November 2, 2023
Injury Woes during ICC World Cup 2023
The ICC World Cup 2023 has seen a significant number of injuries affecting various teams. New Zealand, for instance, has had key players like captain Kane Williamson, pace bowlers Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson, and all-rounder Mark Chapman sidelined due to various injuries. Similarly, Australia’s Glenn Maxwell was ruled out of a match after suffering a concussion in a non-cricketing incident.
Sri Lanka has also had to make multiple changes to their 15-player squad due to injuries, with Dushmantha Chameera, Chamika Karunaratne, and Angelo Mathews being brought in to replace injured players – Dasun Shanaka (quad), Lahiru Kumara (thigh) and Matheesha Pathirana (shoulder).
Overall, the discussion highlights the physical toll and challenges that players face in such a prolonged and demanding tournament. The former cricketers believe that expanding squad sizes could be a practical solution to address these issues effectively.
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