India To Lock Horns With Pakistan In Over 50s World Cup Debut Next Year

In what comes as delightful news to cricket lovers, India will take on the arch-rivals Pakistan in the Over 50s World Cup in South Africa, which will be held in Cape Town and Stellenbosch between March 11 and 24 next year. India and Pakistan have a great sporting rivalry between each other and the fans of both the teams will be eagerly waiting to see their respective teams go one on one against each other next year.

It should be noted that West Indies, Namibia, and Zimbabwe will also be making their debut in the tournament. India will be looking to continue the trend of winning against Pakistan in a World Cup match in any format. Shailendra Singh will be captaining the Indian side.

India have been clubbed with the likes of Pakistan, England and hosts South Africa in one group while Australia, West Indies, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka are drawn in the other group. India’s opening fixture will he be scheduled on March 11 when they lock horns with England.

Shailendra hopes to bring the cup back to India

Shailendra who will be leading the side represented the entire ’83 team and has also played county cricket in England and Scotland respectively. The determined man is confident of bringing the cup back to India and make the whole nation proud.

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“I’ve captained Bombay Gym for 15 years, I represented the entire ’83 team during their streak and I’ve played against the greats in county cricket in England and Scotland. I’m excited for the chance to lead India in its World Cup effort and, along with Ajoy Roy, I hope to bring the cup back to India and make the entire nation proud,” Shailendra was quoted as saying to The Hindu.

Roy, the president of India Over 50s Association stated that the team is keen to impress in their opening World Cup. “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. And that’s exactly what the Indian team hopes to do in their first showing against eleven others,” he said.

Meanwhile, former World Cup-winning India captain Kapil Dev also expressed his delight after coming to know about the upcoming competition. “This is a beautiful moment, he (Shailendra) is going to play cricket above 50 representing India and going to lead the World Cup. I want to wish him and his entire team good luck. Do well boys and we are with you all the way and enjoy the game,” he said, speaking about Shailendra.