List of international cricketers who got injured ahead of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023

Several cricketers have suffered injuries who are bound for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India.

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is just a few weeks away and teams are on their preparation tours to play One-day Internationals around the world. As the tournament approaches, The injury list of every single team has become a big concern. Team India were the worst hit in recent months but the situation did improve when BCCI fast-tracked the process of injured players. Now again a few injury concerns may make them twist their strategy. 

Not only with team India, injuries have become a grave concern for most of the teams preparing their Plan A for the upcoming Mega event. Sri Lanka and Australia are the worst-hit teams due to injuries. Several players are recovering from grave injury concerns. World Cup 2023 is scheduled to begin on 5th October with England taking on New Zealand at Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. 

List of injury-hit players:

1. Tim Southee (New Zealand) - Thumb fracture:

New Zealand pacer Tim Southee bowled just 4 overs against England in the 4th ODI as he sustained a thumb fracture while attempting a catch on the field. Southee didn’t come out to bat as well. Southee’s injury is a big concern for New Zealand as they are still not sure about Kane Williamson playing the opening game against England in Ahmedabad. Southee’s update on the World Cup is yet to come. 

2. Shreyas Iyer (India) - Back spasms:

Indian middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer missed cricket action for the last 5-6 months due to a back injury. He made his comeback in the Asia Cup 2023 and played in two league matches against Pakistan and Nepal. After that in the Super 4 round, he once again complained about back spasms and missed the entire Super 4 round. Tilak Varma is waiting on the sidelines if Iyer is ruled out of World Cup 2023. 

3. Axar Patel (India) - Multiple niggles:

Indian spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel has suffered multiple niggles against Bangladesh in the last Super 4 game of Asia Cup 2023. Patel is likely to be ruled out of the Asia Cup final and the Indian team have called in Washington Sundar as his cover. Axar is part of the Indian squad in World Cup 2023, Patel’s injury has raised concern over team India’s spin bowling department. 

4. Travis Head (Australia) - Left-hand fracture:

Australian left-handed batter Travis Head was hit by one of Gerald Coetzee’s short balls causing a fracture in his left hand in the recently concluded 4th ODI against South Africa. Australia are already reeling as their main players are still recovering from multiple injuries. The Australian camp is still waiting for a final update on the timeline of Head’s recovery. Cummins, Smith, Starc and Maxwell are already in rehabilitation. 

5. Maheesh Theekshana (Sri Lanka) - Hamstring injury:

Sri Lankan off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana is ruled out of the Asia Cup final against India on Sunday. Theekshana suffered a strain on his hamstring in Sri Lanka's last Super Four match of the Asia Cup 2023 against Pakistan and will be replaced by batting all-rounder Sahan Arachchige in the squad. Theekshana joins in the long list of Sri Lankan injured players including Dushmanth Chameera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Avishka Fernando, and Lahiru Kumara. 

6. Anrich Nortje (South Africa) - Lower back injury:

South African pacer Anrich Nortje played only one One-day International against Australia and got injured right after the game. Nortje has suffered a lower back injury and will be away from the action till South Africa land in India. Nortje’s experience in the Indian Premier League will definitely be an advantage for his side. South Africa need Nortje fit and fine before they begin their World Cup campaign. 

7. Naseem Shah (Pakistan) - Right shoulder injury:

Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah was replaced by Zaman Khan in Pakistan’s playing XI in Asia Cup 2023's virtual semifinal against Sri Lanka. Naseem suffered an injury while playing against India in the Super 4 round. According to reports, Naseem Shah is expected to miss the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, which will be a massive blow for their side.

8. Haris Rauf (Pakistan) - Side strain:

Just like Naseem Shah, Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf also got injured against India in the Super 4 round. Pakistan played without Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf both against Sri Lanka. Haris Rauf suffered a side strain and the fans are waiting for the final update of Rauf’s World Cup participation. Pakistan need their pace trio to play together in the World Cup, which seems like a doubt now.