ODI WC 2023: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly wants Pakistan to qualify for semifinal, check reason

India, South Africa and Australia have already qualified for the semifinals of the ongoing ICC ODI World Cup 2023. However, there will be a keen contest between New Zealand, Pakistan and Afghanistan for the fourth spot in the semifinals. The fourth team to be qualified for the semifinals will take on hosts India in the knockout stage.

Meanwhile, former Team India captain wants Pakistan to be qualified for the top four spot. One of the biggest reasons behind Ganguly’s wish is the blockbuster India vs Pakistan semifinal.

“I want Pakistan to reach the semifinals and play against India. It can’t be a bigger semifinal than that,” said Ganguly during a recent interview.

The former BCCI president is also aware of the demand for tickets an India vs Pakistan semifinal may bring. In the group match against South Africa, there were FIRs, arrests, multiple complaints and an unimaginable demand for tickets. It can beat that craze if an India vs Pakistan semifinal is confirmed.

As per Ganguly, he doesn’t want to jinx India’s chances as they have been playing some outstanding cricket throughout the tournament.

“No, it won’t be a shock if this Indian team doesn’t win the World Cup. It doesn’t happen in sports like that. The entire nation is happy with the way India is playing. The way they have played in the eight games, it appears that there is a big gap from the rest of the teams. I hope they keep playing like this. I don’t think the level will drop so drastically that they will suddenly start playing poor cricket. Fingers crossed, they are looking very good,” said the former southpaw.