Afghanistan is all set to make its third appearance at the Cricket World Cup and the team is determined to make its mark on the international stage. With the tournament set to be played across ten venues, the Afghan team is focused on bringing joy to its people back home and living up to their expectations.
The Afghan team captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, expressed his thoughts on the upcoming World Cup and the pressure that comes with representing Afghanistan on a global platform. Speaking to the International Cricket Council (ICC), he stated that every game played at the World Cup is important and that his team is preparing for the tournament opener against Bangladesh with positivity and hard work.
Shahidi added that the World Cup is a dream for every player and that his team is looking forward to playing in India, where they hope to receive a lot of support. With a lot of expectation back home during big events, Shahidi assured fans that the team would do its best to perform well and give happiness to the people of Afghanistan.
The 46-day event will feature eight teams that have qualified through the Cricket World Cup Super League, while the final two spots will be taken by the finalists of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe. The tournament will feature a round-robin format, with all teams playing against each other for a total of 45 league matches.
There will be six day matches in the tournament, starting at 10:30 am local time. All other matches, including the knockouts, will be day-night fixtures beginning at 2:00 pm.
The top four teams will proceed to the semi-finals to be held in Mumbai and Kolkata on 15 and 16 November, respectively, and the semi-finals and the final will each have reserve days.
Afghanistan will play India and England in New Delhi on 11 and 15 October, respectively, followed by Pakistan in Chennai on 23 October and Australia in Mumbai on 7 November.
The team is looking to get off to a strong start in its tournament opener against Bangladesh in Dharamsala on 7 October. With the support of their fans and their determination to make a mark on the international stage, the Afghan team is expected to put up a tough fight against their competitors.
The Cricket World Cup is more than just a sporting event, it is also a platform for teams to come together and showcase their skills, passion, and dedication to the sport. As the Afghan team gears up for the tournament, they have a chance to create history and leave a lasting impact on their country and the world of cricket.
