As the excitement builds for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, cricket fans around the globe eagerly await the thrilling clashes on the field. However, the journey to the World Cup hasn’t been without its share of setbacks. Injuries have struck some of the game’s star players, casting doubt over their participation in this prestigious tournament. Let’s take a closer look at 10 star players who have been battling injuries just ahead of the ODI World Cup.
10 Star Cricketers Who Have Been Injured Just Before The World Cup 2023:
1. Axar Patel: India’s spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel encountered a setback when he suffered a strain in his left quadriceps while representing his country in the Super-4 stage of the Asia Cup 2023. This injury has raised questions about his availability for the World Cup.
2. Travis Head: Australia’s star opener batsman Travis Head faced a fracture in his left hand during the ODI series against South Africa. This injury has potentially jeopardized his participation in the World Cup.
3. Shreyas Iyer: Shreyas Iyer, an integral part of India’s batting lineup, grappled with a long-standing back injury that resurfaced during the Asia Cup 2023. Fortunately, he has since regained fitness and is expected to be ready for the World Cup.
4. Dushmantha Chameera: Sri Lankan fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera suffered a shoulder injury during the Lanka Premier League, forcing him to miss the Asia Cup 2023. His prospects for the upcoming World Cup remain uncertain.
5. Anrich Nortje: South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been grappling with a lower back injury, creating doubts about his fitness and availability for the World Cup.
6. Wanindu Hasaranga: Sri Lanka’s spin-bowling all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga faced a significant setback when he sustained a thigh strain during the Lanka Premier League, causing him to miss the entire Asia Cup 2023.
7. Maheesh Theekshana: Maheesh Theekshana encountered a hamstring injury in his last Super-4 match against Pakistan, ruling him out of the final of the Asia Cup 2023.
8. Naseem Shah: Pakistani pace sensation Naseem Shah suffered a shoulder injury during a Super-4 stage clash against India in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023. Unfortunately, this injury has forced him out of contention for the World Cup.
9. Haris Rauf: Another blow for Pakistan came in the form of Haris Rauf’s injury, which he sustained during a Super-4 match against India in the Asia Cup. This has raised concerns about his availability for the World Cup as well.
10. Tim Southee: New Zealand’s experienced campaigner, Tim Southee, encountered a fractured thumb during the ODI series against England. This injury has put a question mark over his participation in the upcoming World Cup.
These injuries have not only disrupted the players’ preparations but have also left their respective teams contemplating backup plans. Injuries can be a cruel twist of fate in the world of sports, altering the course of tournaments and careers. As the World Cup draws nearer, cricket fans will anxiously await updates on these star players’ conditions, hoping to see their favourite players recover and make a triumphant return to the field. While injuries may momentarily dim their prospects, the resilience and determination of these players could yet see them shine on the world stage when the coveted World Cup kicks off.
