Former India all-rounder Yusuf Pathan has named his four semi-finalists for the much-awaited ICC World Cup 2023, scheduled to begin on October 5. Yusuf Pathan stressed that he expects some exciting cricket in the tournament.

The latest edition of the ODI World Cup is less than a week away. The warm-up games have already begun as teams continue to do some fine-tuning before the showpiece event.

Many experts and fans have already predicted their selection to reach the semi-finals. Former India all-rounder Yusuf Pathan, who won the T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ODI World Cup in 2011, is the latest to throw his hat into the ring, as the 40-year-old predicted for India, England, Australia and Pakistan Reach the semi-finals of the competition.

Yusuf Pathan expressed his support for India and followed the World Cup closely by sharing his top four picks for the semi-finals in a post on his official 'X' account (formerly known as Twitter).

“I am following this World Cup closely and supporting our #TeamIndia 🇮🇳 all the time! My top four favorites for the semi-finals are India, England, Australia and Pakistan. Exciting cricket awaits us!” Yusuf wrote about “X”

In the ICC team rankings, India is the top team in ODI cricket. Pakistan and Australia are close behind in 2nd and 3rd place respectively. Defending champions England, on the other hand, are in 5th place in the rankings.

England will play New Zealand in their opener on October 5 in Ahmedabad. Pakistan will take on qualifiers Netherlands on October 6 in Hyderabad. The Men in Blue will begin their campaign on October 8 when they take on Australia in Chennai.

India is the exclusive host of the World Cup for the first time. They are one of the strongest contenders for the distance. Australia needs no introduction at the Over-50 World Cup having won the title five times, the most of any nation. Pakistan and England have each won the marquee event once.