As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the start of the ICC World Cup 2023, former Indian cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan have weighed in on their favorites for the prestigious tournament. With just days to go before the tournament begins, the cricketing world is abuzz with anticipation.
The ICC World Cup 2023 is scheduled to take place from October 5 to November 19 in India. The opening match will feature reigning champions England and New Zealand, set to unfold at the grand Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This edition of the tournament will be unique as India hosts it entirely, a first in the competition’s history.
Ten teams, including India, Australia, England, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Netherlands, will compete for the coveted title. The tournament will be spread across ten venues in India, namely Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Dharamsala, and Lucknow.
With a multitude of strong contenders, the World Cup is expected to be intensely competitive. Hosts India, along with England, Australia, Pakistan, and New Zealand, are among the top contenders. However, several other teams, including South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, have the potential to deliver standout performances on any given day.
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During a recent discussion on Star Sports, Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan were asked to pick their favorites between India and reigning champions England for the upcoming tournament.
Gavaskar, the former legendary Indian cricketer, expressed his preference for England, citing the team’s strong batting order at the top and the presence of world-class all-rounders who can be game-changers. He also lauded England’s experienced bowling lineup.
In contrast, Irfan Pathan, another former Indian cricketer, threw his support behind India. He highlighted India’s impressive recent performances, particularly in the Asia Cup and against Australia at home. Pathan emphasized India’s solid bench strength, noting that even players like Mohammed Shami, who has not featured in the playing eleven consistently, showcase the team’s depth.
With the tournament set to kick off, cricket fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the action, and these insights from cricketing legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan add to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the ICC World Cup 2023.