The 50-overs World Cup is lacking buzz as the match schedule is still unknown, and the main title contenders are focused on test cricket with only five months to go before the expected start in October.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has not yet released the dates and venues for the 13th edition of the tournament, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is still discussing it with the ICC.
The information will only be released after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on May 28th, according to reports.
The lack of information might be frustrating for fans planning to travel to India, but it is unlikely to have a significant impact on the preparations of the eight teams that have already qualified.
England, who hold both white-ball World Cups, are currently the dominant force in short-format cricket. However, they are focused on reclaiming the Ashes from Australia in the test series starting next month.
India won the last World Cup they hosted in 2011, but the current team does not have a settled look due to several injuries, including pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and stumper-batsman Rishabh Pant.
Five-time champions Australia are also preoccupied with the World Test Championship (WTC) final at the Oval, which will be followed quickly by the Ashes.
New Zealand, who lost the 2019 final on boundary count, are also facing injury concerns, with skipper Kane Williamson likely to miss the tournament due to a knee injury.
Former champions Pakistan have grounds for optimism after their recent series victory over a weakened New Zealand, while South Africa claimed the last direct qualification spot.
Eight other teams, including former champions West Indies and Sri Lanka, will compete for the remaining two slots for the tournament in India.
