So only India, Australia and England are playing: ICC World Cup 2023 trailer gets lambasted

Looks like ICC is on a sticky wicket

The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup is one of the most prestigious events in the cricketing world, bringing together nations from across the globe to compete for glory. However, the recently released trailer for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 has sparked controversy and disappointment among cricket fans, particularly those from Pakistan.

The lack of representation for teams other than India, Australia, and England in the trailer has raised questions about inclusivity and fairness. Despite being ranked second in the ICC's ODI ranking, Pakistan was barely featured in the promotional video. Even when glimpses of the team were shown, they were often depicted in losing situations, further fueling frustration among Pakistani fans.

History will be written and dreams will be realised at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 🏆

All it takes is just one day ✨ pic.twitter.com/G5J0Fyzw0Z

— ICC (@ICC) July 20, 2023

Actor Arsalan Naseer expressed his dissatisfaction on Twitter, questioning why Pakistanis were portrayed in such a despondent manner. Director Nabeel Qureshi echoed similar sentiments, expressing disappointment over the scarce representation of Pakistan's cricket team and fans. He also raised concerns about the trailer giving the impression that India had already won the World Cup.

Jaani thora aur dukhi dikha do Pakistanis ko ??

— Arsalan Naseer - CBA (@ArslanNaseerCBA) July 20, 2023

Hum kya kareyn zeher khaaleyn ?? Itney badey promo main itni si representation of pakistan cricket team and fans that too disappointing phase main, except shaheed afridi celebrating, and no shot of babar being no 1 player still, hadh hai bhai biased honey ki ! https://t.co/fCxBhwZOlp

— Nabeel Qureshi (@nabeelqureshi) July 20, 2023

One of the most noticeable omissions from the trailer was the absence of Pakistan's cricketing sensation, Babar Azam. As the captain of the team and one of the world's finest batsmen, his exclusion from the promo was perplexing.

Just watched the #ICCWorldCup2023 promo and noticed that the No.1 ODI batsman, Babar Azam isn't featured despite his impressive record in the World Cup 2019, where he scored 474 runs. I think this omission stems from jealousy and hypocrisy on the part of the ICB. 😡👎 pic.twitter.com/LZ0YUGSgiO

— M Sufyan Basra (@msufyanbasra) July 20, 2023

In this regard, actor Mawra Hocane tweeted, "That won't hold us down. "No matter how many times we are treated like we don’t exist.. we always rise.. (to the top).. against all odds." 

No matter how many times we are treated like we don’t exist.. we always rise.. (to the top).. against all odds.. 🇵🇰❤️#ICCCWC2023 https://t.co/fu507CpvO3 pic.twitter.com/KSX7HS4ZeD

— MAWRA HUSSAIN (@MawraHocane) July 20, 2023

Rapper and comedian Ali Gul Pir highlighted the lack of diversity in the trailer's comment section on ICC's tweet unveiling the video. He sarcastically remarked that it seemed only Australia, England, and India were participating in the World Cup, likening the situation to a love triangle where other teams seemed to have no place.

Got it, so only Australia, England and India are playing this time! Chalo enjoy the love triangle until someone does against the “spirit of the game”

— Ali Gul Pir (@Aligulpir) July 20, 2023

The dominance of India in the trailer became a major point of contention among fans. With an abundance of screen time dedicated to the Indian cricket team. And the fact that the promotional video was produced by India, the host country for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, raised eyebrows. While it is common for the host nation to have a significant presence in promotional materials, the blatant underrepresentation of other teams felt like a disservice to the spirit of the tournament.

that part was missing from promo. #ICCWorldCup2023 #BabarAzam𓃵 pic.twitter.com/QXgU4Eu237

— uzzi (@uzzi0011) July 20, 2023

3rd Class and biased promo video of CWC2023 by ICC.
Dear ICC and BCCI this is not a local tournament, in which you only show things that please your crowd. It's WC. It must have a balance.#ICCWorldCup2023#BabarAzam𓃵 #ICC pic.twitter.com/C2ObBCu0ZG

— Mughl-E-Azam (@Iambeliever56) July 20, 2023

- Wahab Riaz in anguish
- Shadab Khan getting hit for a six
- Mohammad Amir getting bowled.

This is Pakistan's contribution in the new ICC World Cup promo. Ye promo tha ya Pakistan ki disrespect ??? #ICCWorldCup2023 pic.twitter.com/gqCXRDkmtD

— Sher Ali (@SahabShero) July 20, 2023

Perfect @ICC#ICCWorldCup2023 #ICCCWC23 pic.twitter.com/3DZto5UpcV

— Shahmeer Aslam (@ApkaShahmeer) July 20, 2023

Cricket world cup☕#ICCWorldCup2023 pic.twitter.com/6aB1X9sXQ6

— Basit Chinggisi ☭ (@chinggisi) July 11, 2023

As the tournament ensues, cricket fans hope that the ICC will address these concerns and ensure that all teams receive equal recognition and respect on the global stage. Ultimately, it is the skill, passion, and sportsmanship of the players that will shine through.

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