PCB release extended WC promotional video after previous version receives severe backlash due to absence of Imran Khan

Pakistan celebrated its 77th Independence Day on August 14. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) posted a special promotional video on the auspicious occasion, showing footage of some of the most iconic moments in the country's rich cricketing history. However, PCB received severe backlash from the cricketing world after posting the video as the country's legendary World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan wasn't shown in the same.

For the unversed, Imran is hailed as one of the finest captains and all-rounders in world cricket. Under his inspirational leadership, Pakistan won the 1992 World Cup in Australia. Hence, when cricket enthusiasts discuss the best moments in Pakistan's cricketing history, the triumph in 1992 and Imran's contributions always get a mention.

After widespread criticism, PCB went on to post an updated version of the previous video on August 16, and this time, they added footage of Imran holding the coveted World Cup trophy, Misbah-ul-Haq's Test mace victory, the women's team triumph at the Asian Games, and Nida Dar's achievement of 100 wickets. The country's cricket governing body stated that the first video was abridged due to its length and also mentioned that the new one was actually the full version.

"The PCB has launched a promotional campaign leading up to the CWC 2023. One of the videos was uploaded on 14th August 2023. Due to its length, the video was abridged and some important clips were missing. This has been rectified in the complete version of the video," PCB captioned the video.

Pakistan all set to face Afghanistan in Sri Lanka for ODI series

With an eye on the Asia Cup and the subsequent 50-over World Cup, Babar Azam's men will face Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series beginning with the first match on August 22 in Hambantota, Sri Lanka. The second ODI will also be played at the same venue on August 24 before the teams move to Colombo for the third game on August 26.

After the three-match series, Pakistan will begin their Asia Cup journey as they face debutants Nepal in the curtain raiser on August 30 in Multan.