The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 promises to be a thrilling spectacle, but it comes with its fair share of disappointments as several prominent players are set to miss the tournament due to injuries. These injuries have not only affected their respective teams’ preparations but have also left fans around the world disheartened.
Here is a list of the biggest names set to miss out on the World Cup 2023 dream:
1. ANRICH NORTJE (South Africa)
Once again, fast bowler Anrich Nortje finds himself missing the opportunity to represent South Africa on cricket’s grandest stage. Just as it happened during the 2019 World Cup in England, Nortje has unfortunately suffered a lower back injury that has ruled him out of the entire tournament scheduled to begin on October 5.
Due to his back issues, Nortje missed the latter part of the five-match ODI series against Australia which concluded recently with the hosts’ proteas winning 3-2
In his absence, Lizard Williams, who has played just played one ODI for the Proteas, has been named as his replacement in the squad.
2. JOFRA ARCHER (England)
Ever since Jofra Archer made his debut, he has encountered a recurring issue of injuries, notably grappling with persistent elbow problems throughout his international career. Archer had been England’s top wicket-taker during their victorious campaign in the tournament four years ago, even delivering a nerve-wracking Super Over performance in the final. However, he has not seen action since this year’s IPL due to an elbow stress fracture.
On a brighter note, Archer’s persisting injuries have pushed England to cultivate and groom other players, forcing them to adapt to competing without him in the lineup.
3. RISHABH PANT (India)
The generational talent, wicket-keeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, suffered a massive accident on December 30, 2022, while driving to his hometown of Roorkee. This tragedy sidelined him from cricketing action for about a year. Although he has made significant strides in his rehabilitation in Bengaluru, Pant is set to remain absent from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. India’s primary gloveman will now see KL Rahul stepping into his role while also handling the number 4 position in the middle order.
4. WANINDU HASARANGA (Sri Lanka)
Spin bowling all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga delivered an exceptional performance in the Lankan Premier League. However, his brilliant run was marred by a significant setback. Hasaranga suffered a hamstring injury that could potentially necessitate surgical intervention for his recovery. Unfortunately, this injury has led to his absence from the Sri Lankan squad in the World Cup. Furthermore, he was also unable to participate in the Asia Cup 2023, which took place in both Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
5. DUSHMANTHA CHAMEERA (Sri Lanka)
Dushmantha Chameera, the 31-year-old express bowler, will also be absent from the upcoming World Cup. His last appearance for Sri Lanka was in June against Afghanistan and during the World Cup qualifier warm-ups. Subsequently, he suffered a torn pectoral muscle before the World Cup qualifier in Zimbabwe. Following his recovery, he faced another setback in August during the Lanka Premier League. Chameera had also missed the T20 World Cup in Australia last year due to an ankle injury.
There was some hope that he would recover in time for this World Cup, but despite starting to bowl in the nets, he couldn’t do so consistently without discomfort.
6. MICHAEL BRACEWELL (New Zealand)
Michael Bracewell, the talented Kiwi all-rounder, had garnered significant attention as a rising star and a player to keep a close eye on for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. However, a setback occurred when he suffered an injury while participating in England’s domestic T20 tournament, forcing him to miss the entire competition. Bracewell endured a ruptured right Achilles while representing Worcestershire in English county cricket. As a result of his unfortunate injury, Rachin Ravindra was given the opportunity to step in as his replacement.
7. EBADOT HOSSAIN (Bangladesh)
Bangladeshi pace bowler Ebadot Hossain was unable to participate in the 2023 Asia Cup due to an ACL injury that demands a significant recovery period. Unfortunately, it has been revealed that his troublesome knee will necessitate surgery, subsequently ruling him out of contention for the World Cup in India as well.