ICC Cricket World Cup 2007

it was a decision the selectors were expected to make, despite all odds.

The national selection committee, which met in Mumbai on Monday, decided against making any changes to the Indian squad that played in first two one-day internationals against Sri Lanka, for the 2007 World Cup.

Virender Sehwag, despite his recent poor form, was named in India's 15-man squad for the mega event in the West Indies in March-April.

Yuvraj Singh has played just two ODIs in the last three months since injuring his knee during the Champions Trophy last year, but was still picked.

Irfan Pathan and Ajit Agarkar, who missed the last two matches due to injury, also got the nod.

But the biggest dilemma the selectors faced was the inclusion of Sehwag and the dashing Delhi opener was handed yet another lifeline.

In his last 10 one-dayers, Sehwag has scored just 167 runs and should really consider himself lucky for making the squad ahead of Suresh Raina and Mohammad Kaif.

Captain Rahul Dravid said the onus is now on Sehwag to repay the faith of the selectors with a good showing in the World Cup.

"Sehwag has played in different batting positions in the batting order, which is an advantage. He has the ability to adapt and play in different situations. I think the challenge for him is to be able to go out and produce the performances that he has done in the past for us. I think the onus is on him now. He has been shown faith by the selectors and the ball is in his court now as it is in the court of anyone else, who has been picked in this team to show that the faith [shown by the selectors] is justified and they can perform and play a significant role in this World Cup for India," he said.

India's captain believes that the senior players will need to raise their game in the World Cup, many of whom would be playing for the last time at the mega event.

"I think how we do in the World Cup will really be about how the key players, the 6 or 7 key players, supported by the rest of the group, perform. That's what the focus really should be on and I think that's what the focus will really be on.

"If the 6 or 7 players can have a good tournament, then we will have a very good World Cup," Dravid said.

He also stressed the need for the players to work on their fielding.

"I think we will need to be smart about where we field certain players; we will have to practice those areas; we will have to give specific roles to people and ensure that they practice those areas. We have been working really hard on our fielding. It's just a question of being smart, putting people in the right places, ensuring that they practice rigorously for those positions. I think we can still be a very good fielding side," he said.

"What we lack a little bit in the fielding we will have to make up with individual performances with the bat and ball. People will have to take that extra bit of responsibility to finish games, be there in crunch situations either with the bat or ball. A lot of guys in this group do realise that that will be the last shot at the World Cup and I am hoping that those guys in particular stand up and are counted during these two months," Dravid added.

Chairman of selectors Dilip Vengsarkar said his committee picked the best possible combination, adding that Ramesh Powar, who was in the list ot 30 probables, was unlucky to miss out.

"I must say he is very unlucky, his exclusion is very unfortunate. Whenever he has been picked for India, he has taken wickets," Vengsarkar said.

Dravid also said that Suresh Raina too was unlucky not to make it.

"You select yourselves with your performances. Suresh [Raina], Ramesh [Powar] and a few others will feel unlucky. There are always going to be a few disappointed people. You can either stamp your authority and grab your chances and make sure that no questions are ever asked. But if you are on the borderline then such situations will arise. But I am sure the names that have missed out will do well for India in the future," Dravid said.

The Karnataka batsman said his team would strive to perform well in the Super 8 stages and qualify for the semi-finals.

"I think the key in the World Cup, like everyone has said, is that you play well in the Super 8 stage and try to get into the semi-finals. Once you get into the semi-finals its going to be a different tournament altogether. So, for us really, it is about getting into the Super 8, having a good Super 8 and getting into the semi-finals, from where in we can have a distinct shot at the World Cup," Dravid said.

Squad:

Batsmen: Rahul Dravid (captain), Sachin Tendulkar (vice-captain), Sourav Ganguly, Robin Uthappa, Yuvraj Singh.

All-rounders: Virender Sehwag, Irfan Pathan.

Wicketkeepers: Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik.

Bowlers: Ajit Agarkar, Harbhajan Singh, Anil Kumble, Zaheer Khan, Sreesanth, Munaf Patel.

Labels: 2007, ICC World Cup 2007, India Cricket Team

The Indian Cricket Team has participated in all the ICC Cricket World Cups since 1975, and has won the 1983 World Cup. It reached to the World Cup semi-finals in 1987 and 1996, and was runners-up in the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup in South Africa. India is placed in Group B of the ICC World Cup 2007 groupings, along with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bermuda.

India will play its first warm-up match against the Netherlands on March 06, 2007 at Trelawny Stadium in Jamaica, and it will start its Group Stage matches against Bangladesh on March 17 in Trinidad and Tobago. India will play a total of 3 matches in Group Stage, and if it qualifies for the Second Stage - Super 8, it will contest in 6 matches to enter semi finals and then finals on April 28 at Kensington Oval, Barbados.

India Match Schedule – ICC Cricket World Cup 2007

India Warm-up Match Schedule*

If India qualifies for Second Stage – Super 8, then the following two schedules will emerge for India's Matches in Super 8.

Match schedule for India, if it emerges as Winner in Group B (B1) with maximum points.

Match schedule for India, if it emerges as Runner-up in Group B (B2) with second highest points.

Labels: 2007, cricket, ICC World Cup 2007, India Cricket Team Profile, Indian Cricket Team Schedule, West Indies Cricket Team, world cup

The Sri Lankan Cricket Team is rated among strongest and most challenging sides in the world. Though a relatively new entrant to international cricket, Sri Lanka today has the potential to upset any international side. They surprised the cricketing world in the ICC Cricket World Cup 1996, when they defeated the mighty Australians in the final. They reached up to the semi-finals in the 2003 ICC World Cup. In the recently held Natwest Series 2006, they stunned England in their own home, making a 5-0 whitewash, the heaviest home defeat for English side in 13 years.

The Sri Lankan Cricket Team made its first international appearance in the first ICC Cricket World Cup in 1975. It became the eighth Test playing nation in the world, when it was accorded Test status in 1981 by the ICC. Sri Lanka has produced several famous cricketers such as Arjuna Ranatunga, Aravinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya and Muttiah Muralitharan.

Labels: 2007, cricket, icc, ICC World Cup 2007, Sri Lanka Cricket Team, west indies, world cup

The South African Cricket Team is one of the top ranking teams in the world, rated at par with the world champions Australia. Also known as The Proteas, South Africa is one of the strongest contenders to win the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 in West Indies. The Proteas became the third Test playing nation in the world, when they played its first Test match way back in 1889 against England. South Afirca produced several world-famous cricketers, such as Hansie Cronje, Allan Donald, Gary Kirsten, Kepler Wessels, Jhonty Rhodes and Shaun Pollock.

The South African cricket was isolated from the international cricket, as a result of ban by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 1970, because of its government's apartheid policies. It was the period when South Africa was emerging as the top test-playing nation in the world, after purging the powerful Australians 4-0 with ease. South Africa was readmitted to the international cricket in 1991, and became full member of the International Cricket Council with Test and one-day international status. They played their first ever One-day international against India on November 10, 1991.

Labels: 2007, cricket, icc, ICC World Cup 2007, South Africa Cricket Team, west indies, world cup

The New Zealand Cricket Team, popularly referred to as the Black Caps, is one of the best cricketing teams in the world today. One of the oldest cricket playing nations, New Zealand appeared in its first Test way back in 1930 against England in Christchurch, and won their first test in 1956 against West Indies at Eden Park, Auckland. New Zealand played its first One-day International against Pakistan on February 11, 1973 at Lancaster Park, Christchurch. The New Zealand Cricket Team has produced several legendary cricketers, including John R. Reid, Geoff Howarth, Ian Smith, Sir Richard Hadlee, Martin Crowe, Danny Morrison and Chris Cairns. Stephen Fleming, the current captain of the New Zealand cricket team, is the most succeesful cricket captain of New Zealand. John Bracewell is the coach of the New Zealand ICC World Cup 2007 squad. The New Zealand cricket team has taken part in all cricket World Cups since 1975. They reached up to semi-finals on four occasions in 1975, 1979, 1992 and 1999 cricket World Cups, but lost to opponents on all occasions. Today, New Zealand cricket team is rated as one of the strongest and most challenging teams in the world, and it has the potential to upset any team in the world. The current New Zealand cricket team has several outstanding cricketers, including the captain Stephen Fleming, and all-rounders Chris Harris, Nathan Astle, Scott Styris and Craig McMillan. Shane Bond is one of the fastest bowlers in the world today. New Zealand is placed in Group C in the ICC World Cup 2007 groupings, along with England, Kenya and Canada. The team will start its 2007 World Cup campaign against England on March 16, 2007 in Saint Lucia.

New Zealand
ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 Probables

Stephen Fleming (Captain)
Nathan Astle
Craig McMillan
Chris Harris
Brendon McCullum
Jacob Oram
HJH Marshall
Shane Bond
James Franklin
KD Mills
Scott Styris
Daryl Tuffey
Daniel Vettori
Lou Vincent
JS Patel
MJ Mason
JM How

Coach: John Bracewell
Support Staff: 5

Labels: 2007, cricket, icc, ICC World Cup 2007, New Zealand Cricket Team Profile, west indies, world cup

The English cricket team is one of the oldest and best cricket teams in the world. England is regarded as the inventor of the sport of cricket and is the founding nation of both versions of the game - Test cricket as well as One-day international. England was one of the first nations to play in the first Test match against Australia in Melbourne in 1877, and also the first one-day international against Australia in 1971, this too at Melbourne. The England Cricket Team represents England and Wales, operating under the auspices of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

Labels: 2007, cricket, England Cricket Team Profile, ICC World Cup 2007, Queen's Park, world cup

The Indian Cricket Team is the official cricket team of India. Cricket is not just a game but a religion in India, with millions of Indian fans at home and abroad praying for the success of the Indian Cricket Team. The Indian Cricket Team is one of the strongest and most challenging cricket teams in the world, rated at par with teams like Australia, South Africa, England and Pakistan. The Indian cricket team is the highest paid (in terms of sponsorships) sports team in the world.

India has produced several outstanding cricketers of the world, who have become legends of the game itself. Among Indian cricketing legends include the names of players like Vijay Merchant, CK Naidu, Lala Amarnath, Erapalli Prasanna, Vinoo Mankad, Farokh Engineer, BS Chandrasekhar, Bishen Singh Bedi, Gundappa Viswanath, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Mohinder Amarnath, Mohammed Azharuddin, Anil Kumble, and the world's most popular living cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who's also a part of the India's ICC World Cup 2007 squad.

Labels: 2007, cricket, icc, ICC World Cup 2007, India Cricket Team Profile, west indies, world cup

Trinidad and Tobago is one of the 9 host venues for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 in the West Indies. The Queen's Park Oval Stadium in Trinidad is one of the 12 stadia that will see live actions of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 in West Indies. Trinidad and Tobago is also building the new Brian Lara Stadium to meet the challenges and requirements of the greatest edition of the ICC World Cup in the Caribbean. While the Queen's Park Oval Stadium will host the First-stage Group B Matches of the ICC World Cup 2007, the Brian Lara Stadium will stage four of the Warm-up Matches between South Africa, New Zealand, Bangladesh and Scotland.

The Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad is the largest and oldest cricket ground in the Caribbean, with a permanent seating capacity for 25,000 spectators. Once completed, the Brian Lara Stadium will have a seating capacity for 15,000 spectators. The Queen's Park Oval Stadium is located on Tragarete Road, just north of Woodbrook, Ports of Spain,

Fast Facts: Queen's Park Oval, Ports of Spain

Established: 1896
Seating Capacity: 25,000
Matches: First-stage Group B Matches
Location: Tragarete Road, just north of Woodbrook, Ports of Spain

Labels: 2007, cricket, icc, ICC World Cup 2007, Queen's Park Oval, west indies, world cup

St Vincent and the Grenadines is one of the nine host venues for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 in the West Indies. Although St Vincent and the Grenadines will host only 4 warm-up matches of the ICC World Cup 2007, the beautiful island nation is taking its preparation for the cricket's greatest event very seriously. Major renovations are being done in its Arnos Vale Stadium in Kingston to meet the challenges of the ICC World Cup 2007.

The Arnos Vale Stadium in St Vincent will stage 4 of the Warm-up matches of the ICC Cricket World Cup, between England, Bermuda, Zimbabwe and Australia on Mon 5 March, Tues 6, Thurs 8 and Fri 9 March. The stadium has a permanent seating capacity for 12,000 spectators, and is one of the largest in the Caribbean. The size of the stadium and playing conditions meet the standards for both One-day internationals and Test matches. The first Test on Arnos Vale Stadium was hosted in 1997.

Fast Facts: Arnos Vale Stadium in St Vincent

Established: 1996
Seating Capacity: 12,000
Matches: Warm-up Matches
Location: South of the island close to the airport

Labels: 2007, Arnos Vale stadium, cricket, icc, ICC World Cup 2007, west indies, world cup

The picturesque St Lucia in the Caribbean is one of the nine host venues for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 in the West Indies. St Lucia will host the First-stage Group C Matches, and one of the Semi-finals on April 25, 2007. Cricket is a big craze in St Lucia, and the nation is upgrading its Beausejour Stadium in Gros Islet to meet the challenges and requirements to hold the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 matches.

The Beausejour Stadium in St Lucia has a permanent seating capacity for 12,000 spectators that would be increased to 20,000 for the ICC Cricket World Cup matches. The stadium will host 6 first-stage Group C matches between England, New Zealand, Kenya, and Canada, as well as one of the semi-finals on April 25, 2007. The size of the stadium and playing conditions meet the standards for both One-day internationals and Test matches.

Fast Facts: Beausejour Stadium, St Lucia

Established: 2001-2002
Seating Capacity: 12,000 (20,000 for ICC Cricket World Cup)
Matches: Group C matches, Semi-final
Location: Gros Islet, St Lucia

Labels: 2007, Beausejour Cricket Ground, cricket, icc, ICC World Cup 2007, west indies, world cup

St Kitts and Nevis is one of the nine host venues for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 in the West Indies. St Kitts and Nevis will host the First-stage Group A Matches from March 14-24, 2007. The world champions Australia will its 2007 World Cup campaign against Scotland on 14 March 2007 at the Warner Park Cricket Stadium in Basseterre, St Kitts.

Though the Warner Park has never hosted international matches, it has previously hosted international teams, since it was a regular stop for warm-up matches for visiting sides to the Caribbean. The stadium will host its first international matches in May-June 2006, when India will play a Test and a one-dayer on their 2006 West Indies Tour. The Warner Park Cricket Stadium in St Kitts offers one of the most picturesque views in the Caribbean and in the world.

The new Warner Park Cricket Stadium will have a permanent seating capacity of 8,200 that would be increased to 10,000 for ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 by way of additional temporary seating. . The new and improved Warner Park Stadium also has new facilities for media and players. The playing conditions at the stadium meet the international standards for holding both One-day internationals and Test matches.

Fast Facts: Warner Park Cricket Stadium

Established: Brand New Stadium (March 2006)
Seating Capacity: 8,200 (10,000 for ICC World Cup)
Matches: Group A Matches
Location: Basseterre, St Kitts

Labels: 2007, cricket, icc, ICC World Cup 2007, Warner Park Stadium, west indies, world cup

As the venue for the opening ceremony, the new Trelawny Multipurpose Stadium, on the outskirts of Montego Bay, is under construction and is scheduled for completion by November 2006. In addition, Kingston’s Sabina Park with its rich cricketing heritage, is also undergoing major renovations in preparation for March 2007.

Fast Facts: Trelawny Stadium, Greenfield

Established: 2006, Brand New Stadium
Seating Capacity: 25,000 (10,000 permanent seats)
Matches: Opening Ceremony, 4 Warm-up Matches
Location: Kingston, Jamaica

Labels: 2007, cricket, icc, ICC World Cup 2007, Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium, west indies, world cup

The cricket crazy Jamaica is one of the nine host venues for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 in the West Indies. Jamaica will host the opening ceremony of the ICC World Cup 2007 on 11 March 2007 at the new Trelawny Stadium, Greenfields. Jamaica will host all first-round Group D matches, as well as one of the Semi-finals at the world-renowned Sabina Park in Kingston. The opening match of the 9th ICC World Cup tournament between the host West Indies and Pakistan will also takes place on 13 March 2007 at Sabina Park. Jamaica has produced several outstanding cricketers, such as Michael Holding and Courtney Walsh.

Sabina Park is a histroic ground in the West Indies, and has a seating capacity of 30,000 spectators. Sabina Park will host a total of 7 world cup matches, including the opening match and one of the semifinals on April 24, 2007. Jamaica is also building a brand new Trelawny Stadium in Greenfields with a seating capacity of 25,000. The new stadium has been chosen as the venue for the opening ceremony of the ICC World Cup 2007 on 11 March 2007. In addition, 4 warm-up matches will also be played at the new stadium between 5th and 9th March, starting with West Indies vs. Kenya.

Fast Facts: Sabina Park, Kingston

Established: 1930
Seating Capacity: 30,000
Matches: Group D matches, Semi-final
Location: Kingston, Jamaica

Labels: 2007, cricket, ICC World Cup 2007, Sabina Park, west indies, world cup

The Providence Stadium in Guyana will be the largest stadium in Guyana and is built for the 2007 Cricket World Cup. Seating 20,000 people, Providence Stadium will easily dwarf any other sports complex in the country. The entire complex will include a mall and luxury apartments. Buddy's Hotel will be located adjacent to the stadium, and will have numerous luxury guest rooms. The stadium is located along the Demerara River and is just outside Georgetown. It is conveniently located along the East Bank Highway. Providence Stadium is a short ten minute drive from the city center of Georgetown and only a 30 minute drive from Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

Fast Facts: Providence Stadium, Guyana

Established: Brand New Stadium (October 2006)
Seating Capacity: 20,000
Matches: Super-8
Location: East Bank Damerara, Providence, Guyana.

Labels: 2007, icc, ICC World Cup 2007, Providence Stadium, west indies, world cup

Built in 1998, Queen's Park Stadium in Grenada is a world-class stadium, with a present capacity of 13,000 that would be increased to 20,000 for the World Cup matches.

The Queen's Park Stadium in Grenada has to host 6 of the 24 World Cup Second-Stage Group 8 matches, and the stadium is completely renovated to meet this challenge. Also known as the New Queen's Park, the stadium is located on the outskirts of the capital, St George's.

Fast Facts: Queen's Park, Grenada

Established: 1998
Seating Capacity: 13,000 (20,000 for ICC Cricket World Cup 2007)
Matches: Super: 8
Location: On the outskirts of the capital, St George's

Labels: 2007, cricket, ICC World Cup 2007, Queen's Park, west indies, world cup

Sir Vivian Richards Stadium is a multi-use, world class ultra-modern stadium in North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda currently under construction. When completed by 2007, it will be used mostly for cricket matches and will host Super 8(eight) matches during the 2007 Cricket World Cup. Ground was broken on the stadium in 2005. It will hold 10,000 people and temporary seating will double its capacity for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007. Its construction is being financed by the People's Republic of China. The stadium was strategically built on a site approximately half-way between the capital St. John's and the country's international airport (VC Bird International Airport). It is about 10-20 minutes drive from the capital city depending on traffic. The venue cost an estimated US$60 million to build of which majority of the funds comes from a Chinese government grant. Currently, the superstructure has been completed while the deadline for completing the interior as well as road work leading to the stadium is set for December 31st 2006. The stadium constitutes two main stands, the North stand and the South stand as well as other minor stands which may be permanent or temporary. Other facilities include a practice pitch for the various cricket teams, a new beach(possibly a combination of unexploited coastal sand cove supported by artificial work) dubbed 'Beach 366'(the island has a total of 365 natural beaches some of which were damaged during several passages of severe hurricanes in 1995, 1998 and 2000), training infrastructure and a media centre. Also, the Sir Viv Richards stadium is one of the few state-of-the art versions that encompass underground passage ways for the cricket teams to move about. When completed, the stadium could become one of the top four cricket stadiums in the world.

Fast Facts - Sir Vivian Richards Stadium

Seating Capacity: 10,000 (20,000 for the ICC World Cup 2007).
Playing Pitches: 7 (4 will be used during the World Cup 2007)
Matches: Super-8
Location: North Sound, midway between St John's and the airport.

Labels: 2007, cricket, ICC World Cup 2007, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, west indies, world cup