Cricket World Cup 2023: England to face NZ in opening match

The Cricket World Cup 2023 will start today with the defending champions England set to take last edition’s runners-up New Zealand in the opening clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Pakistan will play its first match against the Netherlands at Hyderabad on Friday. The 13th edition of the ODI World Cup comprises of 45 league matches and three knockout matches.

According to media reports, there will be no opening ceremony before the tournament begins. The ICC ‘Captains Day’ was held a day ago where all ten captains were grilled by former India head coach Ravi Shastri and ex-England captain Eoin Morgan.

When India captain Rohit Sharma was asked about the fact that the last three World Cups were won by one of the hosting nations, he downplayed the factor.

“Not thinking too much about on that stuff but yeah in 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.

“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.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam loved the hospitable nature of his hosts, and was hoping that fans all across the world enjoy the high standard of cricket expected at the tournament.

“We received good hospitality. We were not expecting this. But I think the way people responded to us, everyone enjoyed it. We are here for a week in Hyderabad, so we do not feel like we are in India; it was like we are at home,” Babar noted.

“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.”

The opening match of the Cricket World Cup will start at 2:00 PM IST (1.30 PM PST), with toss taking place at 1:30 PM IST (1:00 PM PST).