ICC World Cup 2023: Muttiah Muralitharan Reveals Why India Is Favourite To Win The Trophy

Former Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralitharan feels that India is the favourite to win the ICC World Cup 2023 trophy. Muralitharan also shared a crucial reason why India has more chances to lift the coveted title.

ICC World Cup 2023 commence on October 5 in India. The tournament will see a clash between 10 teams namely- India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, New Zealand, Australia, England, South Africa, and the Netherlands.

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Asian Teams Are Better At Home Conditions: Muttiah Muralitharan

During a conversation with PTI, Sri Lanka legend Muttiah Muralitharan said that India is the favourite to win the ICC World Cup 2023 as they are playing at home. According to Muralitharan, conditions matter a lot and Asian teams are better at home conditions.

“In our conditions, the Asian teams are better teams than those two (England and Australia) sides. Conditions matter- you are playing in India, not in England or New Zealand. The last time England won on home turf. But now they are getting beaten by New Zealand in T20Is,” the 51-year-old said.

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India Has Better Chance Because They Are Playing At Home: Muttiah Muralitharan

Muralitharan, who also owns the record for most wickets in international cricket, feels that Asian teams have a good chance to win the ICC World Cup 2023 trophy. However, he also added that India is a favourite since they are playing at home.

“India and Pakistan will have a good chance; Sri Lanka is playing well, as is Bangladesh. Asian countries have a good chance. Every team has its strengths and weaknesses. A World Cup is something that nobody can predict—when you come to knockouts, it is very hard.

All teams are good; they would have covered their bases from the matches they have played. But if you ask, India has a better chance because they are playing at home,” Muttiah Muralitharan added.

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ODI World Cup 2023 returns to India after 12 years. India last hosted the ODI World Cup in 2011 and won the trophy at home. Notably, the last three World Cup titles were won by the home team.

England won the ODI WC 2019 in the last edition at home. Prior to that, Australia won the ODI WC 2015 at home, while India won it at home in 2011 for the first time.