The stage is set for a high-octane clash between India and Pakistan at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, and the excitement extends beyond the players on the field. Cricket fans were treated to a special appearance by a galaxy of cricketing legends who graced the Nassau County Cricket Stadium in New York for the much-anticipated match.
Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Yuvraj Singh, Ravi Shastri, and Chris Gayle were among the yesteryear stars spotted at the venue, adding to the electric atmosphere. The ICC shared glimpses of these legends interacting with the Indian players before the rain-delayed match.
Ponting Takes Fans Inside the Indian Dressing Room
Adding a touch of exclusivity, Ricky Ponting offered a sneak peek into the Indian locker room, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look. Later, the ICC shared a video of the Australian legend meeting with key Indian players like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, and Rishabh Pant.
Tendulkar Receives Reverence from Youngsters
The legendary Sachin Tendulkar, fondly known as the “Little Master,” was seen interacting with the Indian team. A heartwarming moment was captured when a young Yashasvi Jaiswal touched Tendulkar’s feet, showcasing the immense respect younger generations have for the iconic cricketer.
Gayle Gets Signatures from Both Teams
Chris Gayle, known for his flamboyant personality, was busy collecting autographs on his blazer. He secured signatures from both Indian and Pakistani stars, including Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, and the legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram.
Yuvraj Singh Carries the World Cup Trophy
Yuvraj Singh, a World Cup champion himself and a brand ambassador for the current tournament, had the honor of carrying the glittering trophy onto the field.
Pakistan Wins Toss, Elects to Bowl First
With the toss finally happening after a rain delay, Pakistan captain Babar Azam opted to field first, looking to capitalize on the early bowling conditions. He stated, “The conditions suit us, we have four fast bowlers. We will try to use it to our best. Past is past, we are looking forward to today’s match, we are ready and will give our 100 percent.”
Rohit Sharma Agrees with Bowling First
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma revealed he would have also chosen to bowl first, wanting to assess the pitch before setting a target. “Would’ve bowled first too. We need to assess how conditions play and come up with an idea of what a good score is. We’ve spoken about what we need to do as a batting unit to get a good score and then we’ve got the bowling unit to defend. Every game is important in a World Cup, you can’t just show up. Anything can happen,” Sharma said.
Match Delayed by Rain but Promises Excitement
The much-anticipated clash was delayed due to rain, but with the legends in attendance and both teams ready to battle it out, cricket fans can expect a thrilling encounter when the match resumes.
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