LAHORE, Pakistan: The national cricket team led by captain Misbah-ul Haq left Lahore for New Zealand via Dubai on Tuesday to take part in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
Pakistan will play two one-day internationals (ODIs) in New Zealand on January 31 and February 3. Later, they have two World Cup warm-up games on February 9 and 11 before their tournament opener against arch-rivals India on February 15 at Adelaide Oval.
Talking to media at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore before the departure, Misbah-ul Haq said that all players have prepared very well for the event.
“We will only focus on performing according to our best abilities and try to get the best possible result,” Misbah said.
On the occasion, the team manager Naveed Akram Cheema said that the team needs prayers from the nation for great success.
Cheema said that the team also consists of experienced players and fully prepared for both the mega event.
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 will be jointly held in Australia and New Zealand from February 14 to March 29.
Junaid Khan ruled out of two ODIs in New Zealand
Meanwhile, fast bowler Junaid Khan has been ruled out of two ODIs in New Zealand because of a thigh injury sustained while training last week.
Junaid Khan will be replaced by Bilawal Bhatti and will be assessed again ahead of the World Cup.
“If Junaid recovers fitness, he will join the World Cup squad,” the chief selector Moin Khan said.
Junaid had a fall while bowling in the nets during training at the NCA in Lahore on January 15 and was sent to Pakistan’s medical staff with pain in his right thigh and elbow.
