ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: What Will Be India-Pakistan Semi-Final Venue, If Babar Azam-Led Side Qualifies?

The race for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 semi-final is nearing a thrilling climax as there is still one spot up for grabs and there are no less than three direct contenders.

With Australia's dramatic come-from-behind victory over Afghanistan, New Zealand and Pakistan have got a new life line, making the contest for a semi-final spot even more intriguing.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Semi-Finallists

It's a situation that's got cricket fans on the edge of their seats, especially with the tantalizing prospect of an India-Pakistan semi-final clash looming on the horizon. As of now, India - who are the table-toppers, South Africa, and Australia have already secured their spots in the semi-finals. South Africa are set to finish as the number two side, and Australia as the number three in the standings.

ODI World Cup 2023 Semi-Final Format

In the semi-finals, the number 2 will face the number 3, while the number 1 side will meet the team that finishes fourth in the standings. India, as the current number 1, is poised to play against the team that secures the fourth position.

That could be New Zealand, Pakistan, or Afghanistan, with the Netherlands having an outside chance, though it appears unlikely. For cricket aficionados, the prospect of another India vs Pakistan encounter in the World Cup is an irresistible lure.

How Will Pakistan Meet India In CWC 2023 Semi-Final?

The contest between these two arch-rivals transcends the boundaries of sport, as it is steeped in history, tradition. But for this dream to materialize, several pieces must fall into place. Pakistan currently has 8 points from 8 matches and one more game left to play.

To enhance their chances of making it to the semi-finals, they must win their last match, which happens to be against England. However, the road to a semi-final spot is not straightforward. Pakistan needs a series of favourable outcomes.

Pakistan Cricket Team Needs Luck In Its Favour

First, they must hope that New Zealand loses to Sri Lanka in their upcoming match or that the match gets washed out in Bengaluru. Additionally, Pakistan would benefit from a significant victory for South Africa over Afghanistan. If all these stars align, we might witness India and Pakistan face off again, this time in the semi-finals.

ICC World Cup 2023 Semi-Final Venues Will Be Changed If Pakistan Qualify

But, if this India vs Pakistan semi-final showdown comes to fruition, it won't be held in Mumbai, as per the original schedule. The ICC has made it clear that if India faces Pakistan in the semi-finals, the match will take place at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

The reason behind this decision is somewhat shrouded in mystery. However, former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chiefs have previously expressed their reluctance to play matches in Mumbai. Therefore, in the event of India and Pakistan clashing in the semi-finals, Kolkata will become the battleground, while the other semi-final between South Africa and Australia will continue as planned in Mumbai.

Eden Gardens Eagerly Awaits INDvsPAK Semi-Final

This alteration in the schedule adds an intriguing layer of excitement to the potential India-Pakistan encounter, making it even more significant for cricket fans. With the grandeur and historical significance of the Eden Gardens, an India vs Pakistan semi-final in Kolkata would be a cricketing spectacle unlike any other.

As the cricketing world awaits the unfolding of these scenarios, one thing is certain: the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup is proving to be a tournament filled with suspense, drama, and the possibility of a high-voltage showdown that could be etched in the annals of cricketing history.