The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled a mascot duo for the upcoming Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 which is scheduled to take place in India in October-November.
The mascots were unveiled during an event in Gurugam, India which was attended by U-19 World Cup-winning captains Yash Dull and Shafali Verma.
Originating from a distant cricket utopia called the Crictoverse, the male and female mascots are both made in a way that represents both gender equality and diversity.
ICC claims the mascots to be "representing the spirit and unity that cricket promotes across the globe that will excite the next generation of cricket fans."
“We are delighted to launch the ICC’s mascot duo ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023," said ICC Head of Events Chris Tetley
"The perpetual characters signify cricket's universal appeal beyond cultures and boundaries with the mascots standing as beacons of unity and passion. With representation of both genders, they epitomize the vital role of gender equality in our dynamic world.
"In line with the ICC and cricket's priority to connect with the next generation of fans, these mascots hold the power to engage and entertain children, fostering a lifelong love for the sport beyond ICC events.”
The video, posted by ICC on X, features players only from India, Australia, and England.
India's Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, England's Jos Buttler, and Australia women's team all-rounder Elysse Perry were included in the promotional video.
It must be noted that 10 teams will fight for the elusive title across 10 venues from October 5 to November 19, with the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad hosting the tournament opener and the final.
The Cricket World Cup will be played in a round-robin format with all teams playing against each other for a total of 45 league matches.
The top four teams will qualify for the semifinals, which will be held in Mumbai on November 15 and in Kolkata on November 16. The semi-finals and the final will have reserve days.