What are Shoaib Akhtar’s views on Babar Azam being dropped from the World Cup promo?

geourdunews July 22, 2023 in Sports News - 2 Minutes

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar (left) and captain Babar Azam. Lahore Qalandars/AFP

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar expressed his disappointment at the International Cricket Council (ICC) for not including skipper Babar Azam – who is currently the number one ODI batsman – in the World Cup 2023 promo.

Akhtar talks about the World Cup promo controversy which has been the talk of the town ever since its release.

He wrote on Twitter, “Whoever thought that the World Cup promo would be complete without Pakistan and the crucial appearance of Babar Azam has truly presented himself as a joke. Come on guys, time to grow up a little.”

The ICC earlier this week released the promo of the World Cup 2023, featuring Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role.

Cricket fans around the world criticized the ICC for ignoring Azam in the promo despite being the number one ODI batsman.

Cricket fraternity also felt that the promo revolved more around the Indian cricket team, as the event would be organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Many people referred to the ICC World Cup promo as the “BCCI promo” or the “India National Cricket Team (ICT) promo”.

Several others also pointed out the non-inclusion of the Pakistani flag in the video.

Ten teams will fight for the elusive title from October 5 to November 19 across 10 venues, with the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad hosting the tournament’s opening and finals.