In anticipation of the highly awaited ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, young Pakistani fast bowler Ihsanullah expresses his belief in his ability to lead his team to victory. The prestigious 50-over tournament is set to take place in India, and Pakistan stands as a strong contender for the coveted title.
Since their triumphant win in the 1992 World Cup, the Pakistani team has been striving to reclaim the championship. Although they reached the final in 1999, they have yet to secure their second World Cup title. Disappointingly, in the previous edition held in England in 2019, they were unable to advance beyond the league stage in the fiercely competitive 10-team tournament.
The forthcoming ICC World Cup 2023 will ultimately reveal Pakistan’s performance, but Ihsanullah exudes confidence in his potential to lead his team to a remarkable victory in India. At just 20 years old, Ihsanullah has already made a significant impact on the cricket stage, showcasing his exceptional bowling skills that consistently exceed 150 kmph.
His remarkable talents were on full display during this year’s Pakistan Super League, where he represented the Multan Sultans. Impressively, he concluded the season as the second-highest wicket-taker, claiming an impressive total of 22 wickets throughout the tournament.
According to Cricket Pakistan, Ihsanullah expressed his desire to contribute towards Pakistan’s victory, stating that it would bring him immense joy.
“I want to help Pakistan win, it would give me immense happiness. I can help Pakistan win the World Cup 2023 in India,” Ihsanullah was quoted as saying.
It remains intriguing to observe whether Pakistan will select him for their World Cup squad. With his exceptional speed, Ihsanullah could potentially become an influential factor for the team. He has already made his debut in international cricket, featuring in four T20Is and one ODI match.
Currently, there exists a potential risk of Pakistan not participating in the upcoming ICC World Cup due to the ongoing dispute between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the venue for the Asia Cup.
Although Pakistan holds the hosting rights for the tournament, India has firmly stated their refusal to visit Pakistan due to strained bilateral relations between the two nations. In response to India’s stance, the PCB has issued a threat to boycott the World Cup. The situation remains uncertain, and the final outcome will determine Pakistan’s participation in the prestigious tournament.