Team Pakistan takes a flight today for event

Pakistan cricket team will fly today to New Zealand for 2 one day internationals. After 2 ODI team will go to Australia and play two warm up matches against England and Bangladesh before world cup. Pakistan's world cup campaign will started on Feb 15, 2015 in the match against rivalry team India.  

Shirt numbers of Pakistani players

Shirts numbers revealed of Pakistan cricket team players for ICC CWC 2015 starting from Feb 14, 2015.

#AhmedShehzad - 19
#MHafeez - 8
#UAkmal - 3
#WahabRiaz - 47
#MIrfan - 76
#ShahidAfridi - 10
#YasirShah - 86
#EhsanAdil - 91
#YounusKhan - 75
#HarisSohail - 89
#JunaidKhan - 83
#SohaibMaqsood - 92
#Sarfaraz - 54
#Misbah - 22
#SohailKhan - 14

Team India’s new ODI kit

The members of the Indian team led by captain MS Dhoni and Team India kit sponsor, Nike, unveiled the team’s new ODI kit at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday.

The new kit, as Dhoni said, “Is an improvement over the previous one” in many ways. When creating it, the Nike designers spent several hours taking inputs from the players in terms of their requirements and preferences.

The most significant aspect of the new kit is that it is made out of 100 per cent recycled polyester, giving the fabric enhanced stretchability and moisture releasing qualities. Hence it not only serves to the players’ comfort but also plays a role in conserving the environment.

Specifying his own contribution in the design, Dhoni said, “The front part – the strands that are drawn in the front are out of our national flag (the 24 lines in the Ashok Chakra) and it gives a bit of a feel to it.

With the new shade of blue, the Men in Blue embark on the journey of the defense of their World Champions in ICC 2015 World Cup.

Ireland World Cup Squad

Ireland’s selectors have confirmed their squad for the World Cup next month in Australia and New Zealand.

There are no changes to the 15 players named last month for the training camp and tri-series in Dubai against Afghanistan and Scotland.

Captain William Porterfield is one of five players who will be participating in their third World Cup, along with the O’Brien brothers, Ed Joyce, and John Mooney.

At the other end of the spectrum, it will be the first time at a World Cup for six of the squad, with Andrew Balbirnie, Peter Chase, Andrew McBrine, Tim Murtagh, Stuart Thompson, and Craig Young making their tournament debuts.

“It’s fantastic to be leading Ireland in another global tournament,” said 30 year-old Porterfield.

“We’ve produced some wonderful performances over the years in World Cups, and there’s no reason why we can’t claim further successes in Australia and New Zealand.

“While we may have lost the surprise factor over the years, we’ve certainly gained a lot of respect for our brand of cricket which has been pretty pleasing.

“There’s a great mix as always in the squad, and the younger guys coming through are all hungry which keeps the more experienced players on their toes. Competition for places has been fierce and that’s got to be good for Irish cricket.”

Ireland have opted not to name any replacements yet, but Head Coach Phil Simmons did reveal they had taken five bowlers with the squad to Dubai to help with their preparations.

“We’ve got five extra seamers with the World Cup squad here in Dubai,” said Simmons, who arrived with the Irish squad in the Emirates today.

“Max Sorensen, Graeme McCarter, Eddie Richardson, Tyrone Kane and Barry McCarthy will all bowl in the nets and will provide a great resource in our build-up.

“It’s our intention to have some additional players based in Australia to provide cover for the World Cup squad, and we’ll finalise those arrangements in the coming weeks. It’s important that we’ll have players who can hit the ground running if we suffer any injuries during the two months of the event.”

Ireland play four ODI’s in the UAE, and following a short return to Irish shores, depart for Australia at the end of January for a training camp and fixture against Sydney based club Randwick Petersham.

The Irish stay in Sydney for official warm-up matches against Scotland and Bangladesh, before flying to New Zealand to face West Indies in their opening game in Hamilton on February 16th.

Ireland World Cup Squad

William Porterfield (Captain) (Warwickshire), Andrew Balbirnie (Middlesex), Peter Chase (Malahide), Alex Cusack (Clontarf), George Dockrell (Somerset), Ed Joyce (Sussex), Andrew McBrine (Donemana), John Mooney (North County), Tim Murtagh (Middlesex), Kevin O’Brien (Railway Union), Niall O’Brien (Leicestershire), Paul Stirling (Middlesex), Stuart Thompson (Eglinton), Gary Wilson (Surrey), Craig Young (Bready).

Pakistan Squad for ICC CWC 2015

Pakistan have picked 30-year old fast bowler Sohail Khan in their 15-man squad for the 2015 World Cup. Sohail had played the last of his five ODIs in Zimbabwe in 2011, but took ten wickets in two of his most recent List A games, and was the highest wicket-taker in this season's Quaid-e-Azam Gold League - 64 at an average of 22.

Apart from Sohail, the other World Cup inclusions not part of the squad for the series against New Zealand in December 2014 - Pakistan's previous ODI assignment - are batsman Sohaib Maqsood, and fast bowlers Junaid Khan and Ehsan Adil. All three missed that series because of injuries but have now recovered

The players who were part of the New Zealand series but excluded from the World Cup squad are: Anwar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Nasir Jamshed, Sohail Tanvir and Zulfiqar Babar. Umar Gul and Bilawal Bhatti had been withdrawn from the New Zealand series because of injury and were also not included in the World Cup squad.

There had been plenty of speculation over the last week regarding the selection of Shoaib Malik and Kamran Akmal, but the selectors decided to stick with younger prospects, with Haris Sohail being included for a spot in the middle order.

"Shoaib Malik was being considered for the middle-order slot as we lost the bowling utility of Saeed Ajmal and Hafeez," chief selector Moin Khan said. "But eventually, we preferred Haris Sohail as his recent performances and the added advantage of him being a left-hander put him ahead."

The 15-man squad includes two specialist openers, five fast bowlers, and three allrounders in Shahid Afridi, Wahab Riaz and Haris.

"Obviously Sohail's inclusion is a surprise for all of you but this is a proof that we selectors do prefer the domestic performances. He had a good one-day tournament and this is the reward for all his hard work and performances.

"Nasir Jamshed was discussed for the opening slot but we felt recent performances were important and hence couldn't justify his selection. Fawad Alam also, unfortunately, could not make it into our team combination, but he is indeed is a fighter."

When asked why Pakistan had gone with just two specialist openers, Moin said: "We have gambled having two openers but we have Sarfraz Ahmed as a back-up force. The nature of his game, his positivity, and the sort of shots he plays make him a solid prospect to bat higher if needed. We are very much clear in in our mind that we have the best two openers, with Sarfraz as a third option."

As many as six players named in the party had been suffering from various injuries going into the tournament, but Moin confirmed that there were no serious injury concerns at the moment.

"The 15 men are fully fit following the medical evidence we have after detailed fitness tests," he said. "Obviously, the standard is not very high, but with the recently developed culture, every player is improving.

"I must say that the fitness levels of our players is ready to match those of players in any other part of the cricket world. No one can give assurance of a result, but we are confident that this team can do better in the World Cup."

Moin also gave his vote of confidence to the captain Misbah-ul-Haq, who had suffered a hamstring injury during the home series against New Zealand last month, but recovered after extensive rehabilitation.

"He is fit and has informed the selectors that he has recovered," Moin said. "His call is taken with respect as he is the captain and we have to respect his observation. He has started running, batting and sprinting between the wicket, but if there is any deficiency, he still has plenty of time to cover up and I am sure in due course he will be fine."

Pakistan are without a specialist offspinner, though the selectors have named a legspinner in Yasir Shah, along with Afridi. Moin defended the selection as a pure cricketing decision.

"We had also carried two legspinners [Mushtaq Ahmed and Iqbal Sikander] in the 1992 World Cup, so that isn't something exceptional," Moin said.

"With legspinners, the probability of taking field wickets increases. We have as many as 12 matches including the World Cup games, and given the age factor of Afridi, naturally we have to keep a back-up as well. Yasir, we believe, is a wicket-taking bowler and a good prospect."

Squad Misbah-ul-Haq(captain), Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfraz Ahmed, Younis Khan, Haris Sohail, Umar Akmal, Sohaib Maqsood, Shahid Afridi, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Irfan, Junaid Khan, Ehsan Adil, Sohail Khan, Wahab Riaz

Sri Lanka's Squad for ICC CWC 2015

Sri Lanka Cricket announced final 15 for ICC Cricket Worldcup 2015

There are no real surprises in the squad. In Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Tillakaratne Dilshan and Rangana Herath Sri Lanka have a wealth of experience at their disposal, even without Malinga.

Opener Dimuth Karunaratne, who has been part of Sri Lanka's squads for the two ODI assignments leading up to the World Cup - the series against England in November and December, which Sri Lanka won 5-2, and the upcoming series in New Zealand - retains his place. Seamer Nuwan Kulasekara, who was dropped for the England series at home but made his way back to the squad for New Zealand courtesy strong showings in domestic cricket, also makes it.

Given the conditions in Australia and New Zealand, the selectors picked only two specialist spinners for the showpiece tournament, in left-arm spinner Herath and offspinner Sachithra Senanayake. They will be backed up by legspinning allrounder Jeevan Mendis. The other allrounders in the squad include captain Angelo Mathews, Thisara Perera and Tillakaratne Dilshan. Thirimanne and Chandimal join Jayawardene, Sangakkara and Karunaratne as the specialist batsmen, while Dhammika Prasad and Suranga Lakmal are the specialist fast-bowling options in addition to Malinga and Kulasekara.

Sri Lanka's World Cup squad

Angelo Mathews (capt), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Mahela Jayawardene, Lahiru Thirimanne (vice-capt), Dinesh Chandimal, Dimuth Karunaratne, Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga (subject to fitness), Dhammika Prasad, Nuwan Kulasekara, Rangana Herath, Sachithra Senanayake

South Africa 15 Man Squad for ICC CWC 2015

Cricket South Africa announced final squad for ICC Cricket Worldcup 2015

Injured wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock has been named in South Africa's squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup.

De Kock, 22, tore ligaments in his right ankle while warming up during the first Test against the West Indies on December 19.

It was estimated the free-scoring left-handed opening batsman could be out of action for between 10 and 12 weeks, which would probably mean him missing at least South Africa's first two World Cup matches, against Zimbabwe on February 15 and India on February 22.

De Kock has such become a valuable member of the one-day side, with six centuries in his first 35 one-day internationals, that the selectors are willing to gamble on him recovering in time to play the team's later pool games and in the knock-out stages, with AB de Villiers taking the gloves in the interim.

View: View the Cup squads named so far

Read: Australian squad form guide

World Cup regulations make provision for teams to name injured players and replace them before the tournament, or if they aggravate the injury at the tournament, provided a medical certificate is produced.

There are no major surprises in the squad, although there are two changes from the 15 that were beaten 4-1 in the Carlton Mid One-Day series in Australia in November.

Left-handed batsman and off-spin bowler JP Duminy and left-arm spin bowler Aaron Phangiso return after missing the November tour because of injury.

All-rounder Ryan McLaren, the side's leading wicket-taker in both 2013 and 2014, was dropped after a dramatic fall-off in form since suffering a broken arm against Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson in a Test match last season.

Robin Peterson, a veteran of three World Cups who replaced Phangiso in Australia, was also omitted.

South Africa's challenge will be spearheaded by a strong batting line-up, in which De Villiers and Hashim Amla have outstanding records, while the powerful fast bowling trio of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander will be complemented by leg-spinner Imran Tahir, who has taken 47 wickets in 27 one-day internationals.

De Villiers said he was confident the right squad had been chosen.

"It's a huge honour," de Villiers said. 

"I'm very confident. We know we have to keep our feet on the ground and work hard. It's a huge tournament which we have never won before and we want to bring it home."

In contrast to previous South African teams, there is a shortage of top-quality all-rounders.

Duminy is likely to be a key player but batting all-rounder Farhaan Behardien and bowling all-rounder Wayne Parnell are not guaranteed places in the starting line-up.

AB de Villiers (capt), Hashim Amla, Kyle Abbott, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock (wk), JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Vernon Philander, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn

Black Caps final squad for ICC CWC 2015

New Zealand announced final 15 squad for ICC Cricket Worldcup 2015

Matt Henry and Jimmy Neesham miss out on spots in New Zealand team

Veteran allrounder Grant Elliot has been named in New Zealand's squad for next month's ICC Cricket World Cup, Black Caps coach Mike Hesson has revealed. 

Elliot, 35, last played an ODI in November 2013, while veteran spinner Daniel Vettori, who played just three one-day internationals between the 2011 World Cup and last October, will play in his fourth tournament. 

Vettori returned to the ODI team in October after a 15-month absence.

Quick Adam Milne - who clocked up deliveries in excess of 150km/h against Pakistan - claimed the final bowling spot, edging out Matt Henry, while young allrounder Jimmy Neesham also missed out.

Hesson said the selectors' focus in picking their squad had focused on finding the right balance.

"There were some hard decisions to make, but we're pleased with the overall 15 we've chosen," he said.

"A lot of bowlers have performed brilliantly for us over the past couple of seasons, which certainly made it difficult, but we think we have the right mix."

More: View the Cup squads named so far

 

Read: Our Australian World Cup squad selections

 

Elliott, who has played 51 ODIs for New Zealand since 2008, has averaged just under 30 with the bat and has an economy rate of less than five runs per over with the ball.

Hesson said the Wellington allrounder's experience would be important for the Black Caps, who open their campaign against Sri Lanka at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on February 14.

"Our batting unit has good depth and Grant's inclusion assures us strong cover in the middle order," Hesson said.

"He brings a lot of experience, and his record in New Zealand and Australia conditions is excellent."

Despite a match-winning 5-30 in the series-deciding ODI in the United Arab Emirates, Henry was overlooked for the experience of Kyle Mills, who left the tour early with a groin injury.

The 35-year-old has recovered in time to win the nod, his 167 matches counting in his favour.

Neesham topped the Black Caps' bowling averages in the just completed Test series victory with figures of 6-99 and his batting average of 39.7 was fourth best after Kane Williamson, BJ Watling and Brendon McCullum.

New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (capt), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Adam Milne, Luke Ronchi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori, Kane Williamson.

ICC CWC 2015 Trophy Tour

Moin Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq with ICC CWC 2015 Trophy

ICC CWC 2015 Trophy in Pakistan

Pakistan ODI Team Captain Misbah-ul-Haq holding the World Cup Trophy

ICC CWC 2015 Trophy at Australian Beach

England Cricket Team for ICC CWC 2015

ECB announced 15 man squad for ICC Cricket World Cup starting from February 14, 2014.

Squad:
Eoin Morgan (Capt)
Moeen Ali 
James Anderson 
Gary Ballance
Ian Bell
Ravi Bopara
Stuart Broad
Jos Buttler
Steven Finn
Alex Hales
Chris Jordan
Joe Root
James Taylor
James Tredwell
Chris Woakes

Afghanistan Squad for ICC CWC 2015

Afghanistan Cricket Board announced 15 man squad for ICC Cricket Worldcup 2015 starting from February 14, 2015.

Squad: Mohammad Nabi (capt), Nawroz Mangal, Asghar Stanikzai, Samiullah Shenwari, Afsar Zazai (wk), Najibullah Zadran, Nasir Jamal, Mirwais Ashraf, Gulbadin Naib, Hamid Hassan, Shapoor Zadran, Dawlat Zadran, Aftab Alam, Javed Ahmadi, Usman Ghani.

CWC 2015 Schedule

Complete Schedule of ICC CWC 2015 with Venue details.