Pakistan enter mega-event as number one ranked side.
LAHORE: In a much-awaited announcement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finally revealed the 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023.
The announcement of Pakistan’s squad faced unexpected delays as the team management held consultations following a humiliating exit from the Asia Cup and the injuries faced by major bowlers during the tournament.
Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq unveiled the squad at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Babar Azam will captain the team, while Shadab Khan remains the team’s vice-captain. Hasan Ali has been called in to replace pacer Naseem Shah — who has been ruled out from the tournament due to his shoulder injury.
Ali, however, will be returning to one-day international (ODI) cricket after a year-long hiatus following his last appearance against West Indies in Multan in 2022.
“We were forced to make one change because of an unfortunate injury to Naseem Shah. We had a few injury scares in the recent Asia Cup, but I am glad to share that all the players are fully fit and are eager to perform for their country in the all-important tournament. I have received encouraging reports from our medical panel about Haris Rauf. He has started to (shadow) bowl at the National Cricket Academy and will be available for selection,” said Inzamam while speaking during a press conference today.
“I have a firm belief that this squad can bring the World Cup trophy to Pakistan and make the whole nation proud with their incredible performances. It is time to get behind our team and provide them with the backing and support that they need.”
Babar Azam’s side enters the mega-event as the number one ranked side and enjoys the best win/loss ratio of 2.4 in this World Cup cycle for any side that has played the ODI format.
The ICC World Cup 2023 will take place in India with 10 teams fighting for the elusive title across 10 venues from October 5 to November 19, with the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad hosting the tournament opener and the final.
The Cricket World Cup will be played in a round-robin format, with all teams playing against each other for a total of 45 league matches.
The top four teams will qualify for the semifinals, which will be held in Mumbai on November 15 and in Kolkata on November 16. The semi-finals and the final will have reserve days.
Squad
Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Abdullah Shafiq, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), M Wasim Jnr, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usama Mir.
Ahad Raza Mir and Dananeer Mobeen, co-stars of the famous drama series ‘Meem Se Mohabbat,’ have piqued the public’s interest with their blossoming off-screen chemistry.
The drama has received accolades for its upbeat atmosphere, interesting storyline, and outstanding supporting cast.
Ahad’s mother made a special gesture.
Ahad’s mother, Samra Raza Mir, recently made a sincere gesture for Dananeer, which fuelled the rumours. She made Dananeer’s favourite ‘Dumba Karahi’ using her mother’s secret recipe.
Dananeer
Dananeer expressed her delight on social media, posting a picture of the dish and thanking the person for their considerate gesture.
Ahad’s family has been actively involved in his career and projects, with his father, Asif Raza Mir, also playing a role in ‘Meem Se Mohabbat.’ The family’s close bond with Dananeer also clear, as they previously celebrated her graduation together.
Fan Reactions
Since his divorce, Ahad Raza Mir has lived a low-key personal life. Fans, on the other hand, have been eager to speculate about a possible romance between the two co-stars, citing their developing friendship and family participation as evidence of a budding relationship.
Here’s what the fans said:
“Is Had’s mother cooking for Dananeer?” This is becoming intriguing!”
“They look so good together in the drama; maybe there’s something more?”
“Ahad deserves happiness after everything, and Dananeer seems like a sweet person.”
While the speculations are mainly based on fan observations, the bond between Ahad Raza Mir and Dananeer Mobeen continues to pique their followers’ interest.
Kubra Khan, a distinguished Pakistani actress known for her performances in popular television dramas such as Sang e Mar Mar, Alif Allah Aur Insaan, and Sinf e Aahan, has verified the current wedding rumors about her.
In a recent succinct dialogue with Irfan-ul-Haq for Irfanistan, Khan disclosed her intention to marry in February.
The actress, acclaimed for her role in Noor Jahan, was inquired about the internet rumors regarding her marriage to actor Gohar Rasheed. Khan stated, “Yes, I am reportedly getting married in February.”
Kubra Khan’s statement offers clarification; nonetheless, she did not elaborate on the wedding. Her employment of the term “apparently” introduced uncertainty, inciting curiosity among both fans and the media.
Kubra Khan Affirms Her Nuptials
Speculation on the prospective union of Khan and Rasheed has been prevalent for a while, especially following the actor’s enigmatic social media updates.
Rasheed had earlier shared films documenting the preparations for a wedding ceremony, with hashtags such as “Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi,” which intensified curiosity. He subsequently teased his fans, indicating that he would soon reveal the identity of the individual getting married.
Kubra Khan Affirms Her Nuptials
Khan and Rasheed have consistently preserved a tight friendship, both articulating their reciprocal admiration for the other. Nevertheless, they have maintained the confidentiality of their personal lives, addressing the persistent rumors in the public sphere only sporadically.
Khan remarked on her tenure with Hum TV, emphasizing the significant importance of Sang-e-Mar Mar, since it was her debut with the network.
The actress has long been a prominent figure in Pakistani culture, recognized for her diverse performances and commanding screen presence.
Known for her openness and distinct sense of style, Zara Noor Abbas recently responded to the bullying she received for wearing a walima during her brother’s wedding.
The star’s feathered stole stole the show, even though she wore a gorgeous grey gown. Comments on her accessory choice were all over social media, with many people saying she looked stunning without it.
In a recent Instagram video, Zara made fun of herself by acknowledging that the feathers were a “blunder” and making a light-hearted comparison to “Papa Ki Pari,” a term frequently used to poke fun at overindulgent daughters.
She did, however, express her affection for the gown in spite of the conflicting opinions about her appearance.
Zara’s fans were won over by her self-deprecating humour and her willingness to own up to her fashion mistakes and take criticism well.