Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed his desire for an India vs. Pakistan semi-final clash in the ICC World Cup 2023, scheduled to take place at Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens. India, after securing their spot in the semi-finals with a series of impressive victories, awaits their opponents, who could be either Pakistan, New Zealand, or Afghanistan. The tournament's top-ranked team at the league stage will face the fourth-ranked team, while Australia and South Africa are confirmed to compete in the other semi-final.
Ganguly's aspiration stems from the pre-tournament decision that Pakistan's semi-final match would be held at Eden Gardens, regardless of their standings or opponent. The prospect of hosting India in a knockout-stage match against Pakistan on his home turf is a source of excitement for Ganguly. He stated, "I want Pakistan to reach the semi-finals and play India.
It can't be a bigger semi-final than that." The potential India vs. Pakistan semi-final has the potential to generate intense demand for tickets and fan enthusiasm, much like the group match against South Africa earlier in the tournament.