Richard Illingworth and Richard Kettleborough are set to officiate as on-field umpires for the highly anticipated ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 final between India and Australia in Ahmedabad. Both Illingworth and Kettleborough, who ascended to the ICC International List on the same day in November 2009, served as on-field umpires during this week's gripping semi-finals. Illingworth oversaw India's win against New Zealand, while Kettleborough officiated Australia's thrilling victory over South Africa. Read more on TOI
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The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently announced the names of the nine teams that will participate in the upcoming 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. The tournament is set to be held in India, and cricket fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the action-packed event. The ICC's decision to include only nine teams in the tournament has sparked a lot of discussions and debates among cricket enthusiasts. Traditionally, the World Cup has featured ten teams, but the ICC's move to reduce the number has raised some eyebrows. The nine teams that have secured their spot in the tournament are India, Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, West Indies, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. These teams have proven their mettle in the cricketing world and have a strong fan base. However, the exclusion of teams like Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe has raised concerns about the inclusivity of the tournament. Many argue that reducing the number of teams limits the opportunities for smaller cricketing nations to showcase their talent on a global stage. On the other hand, supporters of the ICC's decision argue that it will lead to more competitive matches, as only the best teams will be participating. They believe that this will raise the standard of cricket and make the tournament more exciting for fans. The inclusion of Afghanistan in the tournament is a significant development. The team has made remarkable progress in recent years and has become a force to reckon with in the cricketing world. Their participation in the 2023 World Cup will not only provide them with a chance to prove themselves but also inspire other emerging cricketing nations. India, being the host nation, will have the advantage of playing on home soil. The Indian cricket team has a strong record in World Cup tournaments and will undoubtedly be one of the favorites to lift the trophy. The team boasts of talented players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah, who have consistently performed at the highest level. Australia, the defending champions, will be eager to retain their title. The team has a rich cricketing history and is known for its aggressive and dominant style of play. Led by Aaron Finch, the Australian team will be a formidable opponent for any team in the tournament. England, the 2019 World Cup runners-up, will be determined to go one step further and claim the trophy this time. With a strong batting lineup and a well-balanced team, they will be a force to be reckoned with. South Africa, New Zealand, and Pakistan have always been competitive teams in World Cup tournaments and will be looking to make their mark in the 2023 edition. The West Indies, known for their power-hitting and flamboyant style of play, will be aiming to recapture their glory days. Bangladesh and Afghanistan, the two teams representing the Asian subcontinent, will be eager to prove themselves on the global stage. Both teams have shown significant improvement in recent years and will be looking to make a mark in the tournament. Overall, the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup promises to be an exciting and fiercely contested tournament. The nine participating teams will be vying for cricketing glory and the chance to etch their names in cricketing history. Fans can expect thrilling matches, nail-biting finishes, and outstanding individual performances. As we count down the days to the tournament, the anticipation and excitement in the cricketing world continue to build up.