New Zealand cricket board comes up with unique announcement video for WC squad - WATCH

New Zealand on Monday announced their 15-memeber squad for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 scheduled to take place in India from October 5 to November 19. The NZC included James Neesham and Trent Boult to the team despite both not being centrally contracted.

3 things you need to know

• Finn Allen and Tim Seifert missed out on World Cup selection
• Kane Williamson's inclusion was confirmed prior to the team announcement
• Trent Boult and James Neesham are not centrally contarcted by NZC

ALSO READ: Neesham Makes The Cut In New Zealand’s Squad For The Cricket World Cup

Our 2023 @cricketworldcup squad introduced by their number 1 fans! #BACKTHEBLACKCAPS #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/e7rgAD21mH

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) September 11, 2023

New Zealand, who finished as runners-up during the 2019 World Cup after falling short on the boundary countback, came up with a unique concept to announce their 2023 World Cup squad. In a video shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), the BlackCaps introduced the kids, wives/partners and other family members revealing the names of the selected players.

The concept was well received on the social media, with users lauding the heartwarming video. Kane Williamson, who was recently confirmed to play following his recovery from a ruptured ACL at the 2023 IPL, will lead New Zealand at the 2023 World Cup in India. Williamson, along with Tim Southee, will appear in their fourth World Cup (including both ODI and T20I events).

Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra have earned their spots alongwith Ish Sodhi. However, there was no room for Finn Allen and Tim Seifert, with Tom Latham named as the only wicket-keeper. Adam Milne, who suffered a hamstring injury during the tour of England, also missed out. 

New Zealand makes tough calls 

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said: “It’s always a special time to name a tournament team and I’d like to congratulate the 15 players selected today. It’s a great honour to represent your country at a World Cup.

“From Kane and Tim heading to their fourth tournament to the guys selected for the first time it’s always a very exciting time. As with any squad named for an ICC tournament, there have been some tough calls and there will be some disappointed players. The key for us was finding the right balance for the squad and making sure we had our bases covered for what is going to be a very competitive tournament.”

New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.