Reports: Initial squad list for ODI World Cup to be submitted by September 5

International Cricket Council (ICC) has conveyed that the teams participating in the ODI World Cup will have to submit their initial squad by September 5. Meanwhile, the teams can submit their final squad by September 27, as the tournament is slated to begin on October 5 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Notably, Australia have already announced their 18-man preliminary squad for the mega tournament in India. Marnus Labuschagne has failed to make a cut while Pat Cummins has been confirmed to be the leader of the Aussies in the tournament. Ahead of that, the Kangaroos will play a bilateral series against South Africa and India and after that, the team management will take a call on the final squad.

When it comes to India, there is a slight dilemma at the moment. Stumper-batter KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are currently recovering from their respective injuries and there’s no update about their possible return. Notably, it is widely expected that Rahul may recover soon and even play in the Asia Cup but there’s no guarantee on Shreyas, as he might need some more time to get back into the ground.

Tournament opener will begin with high octane game between England and New Zealand 

All the other teams too will keep a close eye on the progress of every player of theirs. With the World Cup set to begin in less than two months, all the teams have begun their final preparation and will be hoping to qualify for the semif-finals of the competition. In the opening game of the tournament, defending champions England will be taking on New Zealand and that is expected to set the tournament on song.

Both teams have the capability to win the coveted trophy and are looking more or less ready. England will keep an eye on the progress of Jofra Archer, who can be very important for the team while New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson is currently recovering from an injury and his progress is also being monitored by their team management. Ahead of the World Cup, both these cricketers are expected to return back to the field.