All the following players are key figures for their respective sides but are deemed injured ahead of the ICC ODI Men’s World Cup 2023, know updates from every team in the tournament and the players list
The ICC ODI Men’s World Cup 2023, scheduled to commence on October 5th in India, is just around the corner, However, as the excitement builds, a shadow of concern looms over the participating teams in the form of injuries to some key players.
ICC ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 injured players list and all teams injury update report
Injuries have become a critical factor for several teams, potentially affecting their strategies and performance in the tournament.
Injury scars haunt teams with less than a month to go before the World Cup 2023 🫥 pic.twitter.com/i9HhZkj0uk
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) September 16, 2023
Defending champions England are optimistic about their impact despite setbacks. Adil Rashid found the first wicket on the first ball in Cardiff but faced calf tightness issues and has since been sidelined, while Wood’s sore heel has kept him out of action since July’s Ashes Test.
Australia, the reigning champions, have been hit hard by injuries. Travis Head, their left-handed batter, fractured his left hand in a recent ODI against South Africa. With star players like Cummins, Smith, Starc, and Maxwell already in rehabilitation.
Sri Lanka has also been dealing with multiple injury concerns, with Maheesh Theekshana, the off-spinner, suffering a hamstring injury during the Asia Cup. Theekshana will be missing the Asia Cup final against India.
Sri Lanka’s injured players also include Dushmanth Chameera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Avishka Fernando, and Lahiru Kumara, further depleting their resources.
South Africa’s Anrich Nortje, who played only one ODI against Australia, suffered a lower back injury, potentially affecting his opening fixtures of the World Cup campaign. Temba Bavuma could potentially return in the opening match as he was sidelined due to a right adductor strain.
New Zealand, too, has been grappling with injury concerns. Tim Southee, a key pacer for the Kiwis, sustained a thumb fracture while attempting a catch during the fourth ODI against England and Daryl Mitchell walked off the field due to an injury to his right finger he should be back for the first match.
Afghanistan’s fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq eyes a return to action after a two-year absence. Azmatullah Omarzai, sidelined during the Asia Cup, might miss the initial games.
Netherlands are injury-free as they swiftly modified their squad to prevent any injury-related issues. Tim Pringle will be out with a fracture of unknown nature and left-arm seamer Fred Klaassen is sidelined with a stress fracture due to his previous absence during the World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe due to county commitments.
Team India, in particular, has faced a rollercoaster of injury concerns. Shreyas Iyer, After his return from a back injury during the Asia Cup 2023, Iyer once again complained of back spasms, raising doubts about his availability for the World Cup.
Another blow to India’s campaign comes in the form of Axar Patel, the talented spin-bowling all-rounder. Patel suffered multiple niggles during a game against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup 2023, leading to concerns about India’s spin-bowling department.
Pakistan has also been hit hard, with Naseem Shah suffering a right shoulder injury during the Asia Cup. Reports suggest that he might miss the upcoming World Cup, which would be a massive setback for Pakistan. Haris Rauf, another Pakistani pacer, also suffered a side strain against India, casting doubts on his World Cup participation.
Six of the @CricketWorldCup 2023 squads are in!
The names and faces you'll see in India 🏆https://t.co/GlSkGBYXbT
— ICC (@ICC) September 12, 2023
The list of injured players paints a concerning picture for these teams, and the race against time to regain fitness before the World Cup intensifies. The players’ recoveries and their eventual availability will significantly impact their respective teams’ strategies and chances in the tournament.