Cricket World Cup 2015

Cricket, one of the most popular sports of the world, is watched and played by many countries. It is one of those few sports which is considered a gentleman’s game. It was started internationally in the late 1780’s and England and Australia are considered the pioneers of this game.

Cricket was invented in the vast fields of England, supposedly by shepherds who herded their flock. Later in this game was shown benevolence by aristocrats, and now has the stature of being England's national game. After a century now, cricket stands in the international sport stadium, with a place of its own.

Cricket World Cup takes place after every 4 years. Some of the greatest rivalries and matches take place between great teams of the world. And now the year 2015 is also going to be a world cup year. These matches will take place in Australia and New Zealand. Fourteen teams are going to fight for the world cup and the winner is subjected to get $3,975,000, which is double the prize of the last World Cup which was played in 2011. 

All the cricket fans are really looking forward to these matches as it is going to be the most expensive world cup tournament throughout the cricket history and since New Zealand and Australia are also considered one of the most expensive countries of the world, so the expenses of teams are also going to be huge.

The environment and temperature of both the countries are cool and calm. The greenery of these countries is marvelous and the crowd of Australia and New Zealand is also amongst the passionate cricket lovers. It is considered that some of these matches will take place in the Melbourne stadium, Australia, which is the largest cricket ground of the world. The record of having the largest crowd in any cricket match was also set in this stadium. It is one of the finest grounds of the world, equipped with all the latest technology. 

As I talk about the pitches of these countries, they are considered tricky and bouncy. On these pitches the teams belonging from different regions, especially the sub-continent teams will face quite difficulties because sub-continent grounds usually have flat track pitches which give an advantage to the batsmen but there will be no such benefit to them in these grounds. So, they will have to work hard for this.

Now a days, many teams are busy with different series matches with each other in the practice of the World Cup and also for finding out the best in them and submit their final combination of players before this big event.

India will be seen defending their title in this World Cup. In my opinion, it would be difficult for India to defend their title because India has been playing most of their series in their home ground so it does not seem as if they are practicing for Australian pitches or not. As the condition is totally reverses there, Indian batsmen may face difficulties while performing. This time they will go with 3 or 4 seniors in the team.

This World Cup will start with the thrilling match between Pakistan and India. All the tickets for this match have already been sold out, just after 12 minutes of their availability.

I think this world cup is going to be a total entertainment as there are less senior players in the teams as compared to the previous cups, but some of the greatest players like Virat Kohli, Mohammad Irfan, Chris Gayle, Ross Taylor, AB DE villars and Dale Steyn are all taking part in this event will represent their respective countries. So, there will be very unpredictable moments in these matches which will give absolute pleasure to the audience all cricket fans are expecting some exciting and unpredictable moments from this world which will enhance the splendor of this game. I think the teams which are favorites for this cup are Sri Lanka, South Africa and Pakistan.

                       

After a long time of 22 years, Australians have got this chance again to host this important event of the cricket world. Both the audience and the players will get entertained from the beauty of Australia and New Zealand. This thrill, fun and entertainment are going to begin just after 69 days and the excitement is increasing day by day and we all, as cricket fans, are waiting anxiously for this power-packed event.

                    

Who is most favorite to win ICC Cricket World Cup 2015?

                

India: have long since struggled overseas and this will probably be no different. They have great ODI players like Kohli, Rahane and Dhawan but their bowling (especially death bowler) lacks quality. However, India have decent pace bowlers this time and more adapting spinners and they are going to rely on them as they have a poor record when defending. Overall, they have a decent chance in their title defense.

Pakistan: anything can happen. They have good bowling and batting stocks and history is in their favour. The last time a World Cup was held here, it was won by Pakistan led by a  40 years old captain Imran Khan. Now, they will most likely be led by 40+ year old Misbah-ul-Haq. I think they should try out Razzaq one last time in a series before the World Cup, then consider whether to select him or not but the rest of the squad seems set in stone.

By:

Muhammad Waleed

Abdul Moizz

Aakash Mandhan