Cricket’s biggest Mahakumbh World Cup will be played in India from October 5 this year. All teams have now started preparing for 2023. Meanwhile, England’s star all-rounder Ben Stokes withdrew his decision to retire ahead of the World Cup. He had retired from the first ODI. Former Australia captain Tim Paine has heavily criticized him for this.
Former Australia Test captain Tim Paine criticized England Test captain Ben Stokes for withdrawing from the ODIs to compete in the World Cup, saying he could not choose such competitions.
Ben Stokes, 32, had retired from the ODIs in July last year but recently took it back and was also included in the England ODI team. While England are delighted with the all-rounder’s return ahead of the World Cup, which takes place in India from October 5, Paine called him selfish.
“Ben Stokes has retired from the ODIs,” Tin Paine said on Sen Radio. I will decide where and when I want to play and I only want to play in big competitions.”
He continued: “England cricketers who have been preparing for the World Cup for the last 12 months, all of them will have to sit out due to Stokes’ return. I feel sorry for these players.”
However, Paine said defending champions England will start the ODI World Cup as title favorites alongside hosts India. He said: “England and India are probably strong competitors. I believe that if Australia can also play cricket well, they can win the World Cup.”