- ICC U19 World Cup 2024, slated for January 19 to February 11, won’t feature an India vs Pakistan clash in the group stage.
- The tournament comprises 16 teams divided into four groups, with top three teams from each group advancing to the super six stage.
- Fans will miss the iconic rivalry, but the tournament promises intense cricket action, featuring young talents from across the globe.
In a surprising turn of events, the ICC U19 World Cup 2024, scheduled from January 19 to February 11 in South Africa, will not witness the anticipated clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan in the group stage. The tournament, featuring 16 teams and a total of 41 matches, has been organized with teams initially divided into four groups, each comprising four teams, followed by the super six stage.
The group stage promises intense competition, with Group A boasting defending champion India, 2020 winner Bangladesh, Ireland, and the USA. Meanwhile, Group B includes cricket powerhouses England, host South Africa, West Indies, and Scotland. Group C will see Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in contention, and Group D comprises Afghanistan, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Nepal.
Why there is no Pak vs Ind during U19 World Cup 2024?
Given that India and Pakistan are placed in different groups, one of the most anticipated cricketing rivalries, the clash between the two nations, will not materialize in the initial stages of the tournament. The absence of this iconic face-off has left fans and enthusiasts somewhat surprised, as encounters between the two cricketing powerhouses, especially at the youth level, are highly anticipated.
The recent clash between Pakistan U19 and India U19 in the Asia Cup U19 2023, where Pakistan emerged victorious by 8 wickets, added more excitement to the traditional rivalry. With five host venues, including Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, Kimberley Oval in Kimberley, JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom, Buffalo Park in East London, and Willowmoore Park in Benoni, the ICC U19 World Cup 2024 promises thrilling cricket action and the emergence of young talents on the global stage.
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