The excitement for the upcoming cricket World Cup is reaching a fever pitch, with fans eagerly anticipating a spectacle of sportsmanship and skill. However, the recent promotional video released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) has sparked widespread criticism and heated debates among cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
The clip has all the elements of an impressive sports commercial – enthusiastic fans, the spirit of sportsmanship, global recognition, glimpses of culture, and what not. But a notable absence in the video, that of Pakistan’s biggest stars, especially Babar Azam, has left many questioning the selection choices and voicing their discontent over a lack of recognition for Pakistani players. Additionally, the omission of the Pakistani flag from the promo has further fuelled sentiments of exclusion.
The brief promo, which features Indian superstar Shah Rukh Khan, has garnered mixed reactions. While some are loving the inclusion of King Khan, others are labelling it a “Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) promo” or an “India national cricket team’s (ICT) promo,” as it includes several Indian cricketers as well. This has led to a growing sentiment that the video may not adequately represent the diversity of talent present in international cricket.
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Check out some of the reactions, which have raised some valid points, below.
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
This video is based on ICT and ECB. Feature Shaheen taking a wicket, Shadab getting hit for six, Wahab Riaz Getting smacked, and Mohammad Amir getting clean bowled. But The Number One ODI batsman isn’t there and also has a good record in World Cup 2019 He scored 474 runs. I Must… pic.twitter.com/SdjZBPqPLT
— Shaharyar Ejaz 🏏 (@SharyOfficial) July 20, 2023
Jaani thora aur dukhi dikha do Pakistanis ko ??
— Arsalan Naseer – CBA (@ArslanNaseerCBA) July 20, 2023
Not a single still of Babar who is dominating the ICC carts in ODIs since last 2.5 years
Looked more like a Big 3 promo https://t.co/xlmhQmJ6he— Areeba (@arieba_chaudry) July 20, 2023
The promo looks like India has won the last 3 ICC titles and no.1 ODI batter doesn’t exist. https://t.co/XRtQRz2FMx
— MLB (@mirzalalbaig) July 20, 2023
Babar ko bhool gaye? Challo, he’ll help you guys write history at the matches. Game on hai, no matter how pathetic your official ad is. https://t.co/NLd21spIjK
— AHI (@aamnaisani) July 20, 2023
This promo looks like India Cup, not the World Cup. It’s totally biased. This is what happens when boomers like Najam Sethi and Zaka Ashraf head the Pakistan Cricket Board. Have some shame. Babar Azam is World’s No.1 batsman. Where is he? https://t.co/NsTlCIQG5y
— Saith Abdullah (@SaithAbdullah99) July 20, 2023
ICC ODI World Cup promo without Babar Azam – the number one ODI batter since almost two years and the ODI cricketer of the year 2021 and 2022. https://t.co/oEuHUPu20d
— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) July 20, 2023
Team Pakistan 🇵🇰 is clearly ignored in this promo. History says that writing off Pakistan never goes in anyone’s favours except them.
And you can never ignore Pakistan cricket, So here we are with our own promo for the grand stage.#WorldCup #CricketWorldCup #PakistanCricket https://t.co/0w82wTHZyz pic.twitter.com/3MoblC8LpF
— Dr.Bils (@bils_dr) July 20, 2023
My observation watching #CWC23 promo few times:
– This promo looks more like an ICT promo.
– It started with Morgan (defending champion) good call.
– It covered Dhoni’s highs and lows.
– It focused on all the sad moments related to Pakistan, such as Rohit hitting Shadab for a…— M (@anngrypakiistan) July 20, 2023
asli account se he post kr dena tha @bcci
— Out of Context Pakistan (@Umairiology) July 20, 2023
With that said, it is essential for cricket’s governing bodies to listen to the passionate voices of fans and strive to promote inclusivity, fairness, and recognition for all deserving players and nations on the global cricketing stage. After all, cricket is at its best when it embraces the talent and diversity that makes it a truly universal sport.
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