Pakistan’s Limited Presence in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Trailer Raises Questions

Something is wrong with the new ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 video. For starters, Pakistan is hardly in it, and there’s no sign of Babar Azam.

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

We’re ranked second in the ICC’s own ODI rankings, so many are understandably perplexed as to why we’ve been almost removed from the video. The video heavily favours India, giving the impression that they have won the previous three titles.

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

Apart from England and Australia, no one else got much screen time.

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

Pakistan’s only portrayal was of them losing, which was odd.

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

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. I Must Say Jealousy and… https://t.co/rUALLSEAME pic.twitter.com/3G0w5hG76n

— Shaharyar Ejaz 🏏 (@SharyOfficial) July 20, 2023

This, however… utter ****. In thrall of India and England. Mentions Pakistan (and West Indies, oddly) in passing and in terms of needing sympathy. Cricket deserves better. https://t.co/m5YZ9dss02

— George Dobell (@GeorgeDobell1) July 20, 2023

Pakistan total feature in the video:
– Jersey on mannequin
– Wahab in anguish
– Shadab getting hit x 2
– Amir bowled
– Shaheen's celebration
– Depressed Pakistani fan
– Inzamam getting runout

I get that the content has been produced by the host but the promo is for @ICC https://t.co/4ifp9YHaY7

— Jibran T. Siddiqui (@jibransiddiqui) July 20, 2023

The most visible deletion was of Babar Azam.

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

The World number 1 ranked ODI batter Babar Azam who's been ruling the 50 overs format for a long time has not been included in the official promo video of the ODI World Cup. Is it possibly because of the fact he's from Pakistan? https://t.co/G8ExOKOav6

— F (@falahtah) July 20, 2023

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

Thanks @ICC for this 🇵🇰 representation!

We'll provide you with some better footage on 15th October 🤲🏻 https://t.co/7YvK9kbPdf pic.twitter.com/hIl3Gwvu6j

— CorneredTigers.net (@CorneredtigersN) July 20, 2023

We understand that the advertisement was created by the host country, India, but it’s somewhat humiliating. Erasing Pakistan from a video will not prevent our squad from excelling and, perhaps, winning the championship.