Ahmedabad

The biggest cricket carnival –ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 - will begin in Ahmadabad on Thursday with the top ten teams - Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka – participating in it for the coveted trophy.

The opening match will be played between New Zealand and defending champion England at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmadabad.

The world event is being played in different Indian cities – Hyderabad, Ahmadabad, New Delhi, Chennai, Dharamshala, Lucknow, Pune, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Kolkatta from October 5 to 9.

On the eve of its opening, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma asserted that the 'Men in Blue,' who are riding high on confidence and are one of the favourites, will give their everything in the World Cup.

"Not thinking too much about that stuff but yeah in the last 3 editions hosting teams won the World Cups and we will give our everything in this World Cup and enjoy the tournament," Rohit said in the World Cup 2023 Captain's Day event.

Even though the Indian team is entering on the back of a hot run in the ODI format, being the host will likely bring the much-needed luck factor to them as well.

In the past 13 years, the host nation has lifted the World Cup and it all started in 2011 when the Indian team led by MS Dhoni bagged the decorated accolade in style.

"People are going to love this tournament. The stadiums will be jam-packed. Indians love their cricket. It is going to be a great tournament," Rohit added.

Host India will open their World Cup campaign against Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Sunday.

The captains of all the teams came on a stage in the event called Captain’s Day which was hosted by former Indian coach Ravi Shastri.

Afghanistan's Rashid Khan makes an appeal during the practice match against Sri Lanka in Guwahati

An event titled Captain's Day was organized in which the captains of all the teams participating in the World Cup participated and answered questions.

While the captains of all the teams participating in the Captain's Day ceremony answered many questions, Pakistani team captain Babar Azam and Indian team captain Rohit Sharma were also seen in a very happy mood.

The event spawned several lighter and more interesting moments that went viral on the internet and social media platforms.

One of the memes that is going viral is of South African captain Temba Bavuma who fell asleep during the event.

A picture of Temba Bavuma is being shared on social networking site Twitter, in which he is sitting on a chair with his eyes closed.

Temba Bavuma explained in his tweet, "I'll blame the camera angle, I wasn't sleeping."

On this occasion, group photographs were taken with the captains of all the teams in various styles - during which all the captains looked in good spirits and the photo session was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

In the ceremony, the captains of the cricket teams of different countries were called on the stage and they expressed their views. Journalists also asked questions on this occasion. A journalist asked Indian captain Rohit Sharma about the match between England and New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup final.

He asked that in the final of the last World Cup, the match between New Zealand and England was tied, then there was a super over and it was tied again, but England was declared the winner.

Both teams could have been declared winners. What do you think should have been the decision?

Rohit Sharma was listening to the question very carefully, but as soon as the question was over, he said, 'Kiya yaar. (hey friend) It's not my job to decide the winners!''

 Netizens pointed out how Sharma was muttering something thereafter. In the video England Captain Jos Buttler can be seen whispering in Babar Azam's ear. Social media users say they are asking Babar Azam to translate Rohit Sharma's speech.

​ This was followed by a witty reply to Ravi Shastri’s question by Pakistan skipper Babar Azam.

Shastri asked him, "How was the Biryani in Hyderabad?"

Babbar quipped: "Sau baari baata chuke hoon (have answered it 100 times)."

Earlier, the International Cricket Council (ICC) posted a video on Instagram in which Babar gave his verdict on Hyderabad Biriyani. "It is the specialty. The Hyderabadi Biryani! And I think it is an 8 out of 10! It is slightly spicy though."

Babar also talked about the warm welcome the Pakistan team received after they arrived at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad.

"We received good hospitality, and we were not expecting this, but I think the way people responded to us, everyone enjoyed it. We were here for a week in Hyderabad, so we did not feel like we are in India; it was like we are at home. We enjoyed and had a lot of fun. It's good, and I think it's a golden opportunity for everyone to give 100 percent and enjoy the tournament," Babar added.

Pakistan will open their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on October 6 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

Sachin Tendulkar and Kapil Dev launching a book in Mumbai

In the meanwhile the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced 'Master Blaster' Sachin Tendulkar as the Global Ambassador for the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. 

ICC released an official statement to announce the iconic Indian cricketer which read, "The International Cricket Council (ICC) announces India legend and Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar as the Global Ambassador for the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 with just two days to go until the pinnacle event of the one-day game gets underway.

The Master Blaster, who has an enviable record of featuring in six 50-over World Cups in his decorated career, will walk out with the Men’s Cricket World Cup Trophy before the opening match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, declaring the tournament open."

ALSO READ: Indian wife of Pak pacer Hasan Ali visits her family in Haryana

After being appointed as the Global Ambassador, Sachin expressed his delight and said as quoted from the ICC, "From being a ball boy in 1987 to representing the country in six editions, World Cups have always held a special place in my heart. Winning the World Cup in 2011 was the proudest moment of my cricketing journey. With so many special teams and players set to compete hard in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 here in India, I am excitedly looking forward to this fantastic tournament."