ICC World Cup 2023: Last Edition Runners Up Miss Out As Virender Sehwag Predicts Four Semifinalists

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The ICC World Cup 2023 schedule was officialy launced on Tuesday (June 27) and former India World Cup winner Virender Sehwag made some big predictions, including the four possible semi-finalists at the show-piece event set for October-November this year.

The 2023 ODI World Cup will open with a rematch from last edition's title clash as 2019 champions England take on runners up New Zealand in the tournament opener on October 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

While England and New Zealand made it to the finals in the previous edition held in England and Wales, only one of them are likely to reach the last four this time according to Sehwag.

The former India opener predicted the four semifinalists during the ICC World Cup 2023 schedule launching event alongside Sri Lanka spin great Muttiah Muralitharan. And according to Sehwag, hosts India, Australia, England and Pakistan will reach the semifinals.

India and Pakistan will lock horns in a much awaited blockbuster match on October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. And Sehwag backed India to maintain an unbeaten record against arch-rivals Pakistan in the 50-over World Cup.

The 2011 World Cup winner also added that the only for the reason for that is the host nation's players can handle pressure much better than their neighboring country.

"I feel that now India handles the pressure that is why they win whereas Pakistan have a burden that they haven't won against India. In the 1990s, they were good at dealing with pressure but after 2000, India soaked it better," Sehwag said.

"If any player says that they don't feel pressure, I don't think it's right. We used to say it too but at the end of the day, we know it's an India versus Pakistan game and emotions run high," Sehwag added.

Sehwag also feels the ability to play spin well will be crucial in the conditions in India, and sub-continent teams will have an advantage over teams like Australia and England. Hence, predicting a India vs Pakistan final.

"A player from the subcontinent has a better idea (of playing spin) than someone coming from outside," Sehwag said. Muralitharan also feels that spinners will have a big role to play and agrees that India, England, Australia and Pakistan could be the favourites for the semifinals.

"I am looking forward to the India-England match, that will be a tough match. England is playing really well at the moment. India is one of the favourites in my mind because they are playing at home and they know the conditions really well. They know how to win in India," said Muralitharan, who feel India are favourites.

"The subcontinent teams will be favoured by the wickets, a lot of good spinners are there. Afghanistan's batting is not that great but their spin attack is tremendous. India and Sri Lanka have good spin attacks.

"In the subcontinent, I always believe there is a chance of two teams from the subcontinent coming into the finals, with the exception of 1987 when England and Australia came (in the final). Other than that, last time two best teams came into the final and the best team won in 2011," he added.