ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023

29 September 2023 | Cricket

Cricket fever is about to grip the world once again as the eagerly awaited ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is all set to unfold in the cricket-crazy nation of India this October. With cricket being more than just a sport in India, the tournament promises to be a grand spectacle that unites fans, players, and nations in celebration of the gentleman’s game.

As the teams gear up for an intense battle, let’s take a closer look at the participating nations, key dates, and the storied history of the Cricket World Cup.

Teams Participating

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 will feature a stellar line up of 10 top cricketing nations! Off which each is vying for the prestigious title. The participating teams are ranked below as currently known and include:

India
Australia
England
New Zealand
Pakistan
South Africa
Netherlands
Sri Lanka
Bangladesh
Afghanistan

This diverse group of cricketing powerhouses is set to engage in a fierce competition. It will test their skills, strategies, and nerves on the grand stage.

World Cup Warm-Up Fixtures

There are 3 cities in India who will be hosting the warm-up matches. The matches, which will take place between Friday, September 29 and Tuesday, October 3, will be in Guwahati, Hyderabad, and Thiruvananthapuram. This will give teams the ideal chance to acclimatise to the conditions they will likely encounter at the World Cup.

The first match of the warm-up matches features Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka in Guwahati. Then our beloved South Africa vs. Afghanistan in Thiruvananthapuram. Also New Zealand vs. Pakistan in Hyderabad. The next day in Guwahati, hosts India will square off against the defending champions England. Whilst five-time champions Australia will play the Netherlands in Thiruvananthapuram in search of some good practise.

Key Dates to Remember

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is scheduled to kick off on October 4th, 2023. Expect a high-energy opening ceremony that will set the tone for the cricketing extravaganza. The tournament will feature a round-robin format, where each team will play against every other team. Culminating in a total of 45 group matches.

Following the group stage, the top four teams will advance to the semi-finals, which are slated for November 15th and 16th, 2023. The climax of the tournament, the highly anticipated final, will take place on November 19th, 2023. This is where the two best teams will battle it out for cricketing supremacy.

Protea’s Key ICC World Cup Dates 2023

Here we list the key dates to schedule in if you are South African Cricket supporter. Back the Proteas and support them from the warm-up matches to the real deal:

29 September warm-up match: Afghanistan v SA
2 October warm-up match: New Zealand v SA
7 October 1st WC match: SA v Sri Lanka
12 October WC match: Australia vs SA
17 October WC match: Netherlands v SA
21 October WC match: England v SA
24 October WC match: Bangladesh v SA
27 October WC match: Pakistan v SA
1 November WC match: New Zealand v SA
5 November WC match: India v SA
10 November WC match: Afghanistan v SA

With ace batter and wicket- keeper Quinton De Kock retiring from ODI after this World Cup be sure not to miss any of the action. This will be his 3rd and last ODI World Cup. He is sure to bring his all as will the rest of his team mates.

Protea World Cup Squad 2023

The 15 member squad has been announced and the team is packed with talent. Eight of the 15 players, including captain Bavuma, have received their first World Cup invitations.

The right-arm pacer Gerald Coetzee, who made his international debut earlier this year, is a prominent player in South Africa’s World Cup lineup. Coetzee has taken five wickets in his two one-day international matches so far. Including a three-wicket haul in his ODI debut.

Furthermore Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, and Rassie van der Dussen are among the team’s veteran batsmen.

Kagiso Rabada will be in charge of the pace attack, which also features fast bowlers like Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi.

Due to the favourable subcontinental conditions and the fact that the tournament is being played in India, spinners are anticipated to play a significant role. Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, two strong spinners from South Africa, are well-suited for this position. Last but not least we have Sisanda Magala and Marco Jansen.

A Glance Back: History of the Cricket World Cup

The Cricket World Cup, initiated in 1975, has evolved into one of the most-watched sporting events globally. Its history is also punctuated by moments of extraordinary skill, passion, and drama that have left an indelible mark on the sport. Therefore here are some notable milestones from the Cricket World Cup’s history:

1975-1983: The Early Years – The inaugural World Cup in 1975 marked the birth of limited-overs cricket. West Indies emerged victorious, and the tournament also continued to gain popularity through the early ’80s.
1987-1996: The Subcontinent Dominance – India and Pakistan jointly hosted the World Cup in 1987, furthermore Australia clinching their first title. The tournament saw further expansion with the entry of South Africa in 1992. Sri Lanka’s triumph in 1996 also showcased the subcontinent’s cricketing prowess.
1999-2011: Australia’s Reign – Australia’s dominance began in the late ’90s, culminating in three consecutive titles in 1999, 2003, and 2007. Furthermore India’s victory on home soil in 2011 was celebrated fervently by cricket enthusiasts.
2015-2019: New Champions Emerge! Australia reclaimed the title in 2015. The 2019 World Cup witnessed a thrilling final that saw England also emerge as champions for the first time. This was thanks to their superior boundary count in a tied match against New Zealand.

Best Cricket Betting Sites

There are plenty of cricket betting sites you can visit to place your bets, however here we have listed the some of safest and best sites to consider. Also have a look at welcome offers for new players as you will find some very good deals.

Firstly, you can not go wrong by visiting betway.co.za, they are a leading online bookmaker. The start of Betway’s relationship with Cricket South Africa was the sponsorship of the first Mzansi Super League T20 in 2018. Betway now sponsor every home test and ODI series for the national squad. They also have a great promotion – Betway All Rounder!

10bet SA hit the South African betting market with a bang and also have excellent promotions, markets and odds for their players. Have a look at 10bet CWC Promos for more details. Furthermore Bet.co.za have a few cricket promotions to choose from, from back a player to be man of the match to a Super Over Special. Furthermore Supabets are always on a roll with their competitive odds and promotions as well Hollywoodbets who sponsor the local franchise the Dolphins.

Another great sports book to consider is Fafabet who is relatively new to the betting market but very competitive with excellent odds as well. Furthermore if you are new to cricket betting or need a refresh have a look at our Beginners guide to Cricket.

ICC World Cup 2023 – Conclusion

So as October approaches, cricket enthusiasts worldwide are counting down the days to witness the drama, intensity, and passion that only the ICC Cricket World Cup can provide. With a rich history behind it and a promising future ahead, the 2023 World Cup in India promises to be a remarkable chapter in the annals of cricketing history. So, get ready for sixes, wickets, and nail-biting moments as teams battle for glory on the grandest stage of them all.

Have a look at the Proteas World Cup Journey in 2023 so far.