T20 World Cup 2024: Pakistan, New Zealand snubbed as Graeme Swann picks T20 World Cup 2024 semifinalists

Former England spinner and commentator Graeme Swann has unveiled his predictions for the semi-finalists of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024, starting on June 1 in the USA and Caribbean.

Swann has identified India, England, Australia, and the West Indies as his top picks to make it to the semifinals of the upcoming prestigious T20 tournament. With his wealth of experience in the game, Swann seems to pick these cricketing powerhouses, considering their recent performances, strength, and track record in T20 cricket.

Graeme Swann predicts T20 World Cup 2024 semifinalists

India and England have emerged as strong favorites for Swann, thanks to their formidable batting and bowling attacks along with their consistent performances in the format. Australia, despite Swann's "unfortunate" tag, remains a formidable contender with a history of success in the ICC events for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.

In the end, the West Indies are strong favorites in the global event, and owing to their explosive batting and formidable bowling attack and being the hosts, they are automatically a force to be reckoned to win the coveted title.

However, Swann's decision to pick the West Indies as one of his semi-finalists for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 ahead of the likes of Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand won't’ be surprising to many, as they are familiar with their home conditions and could pose a serious threat to the visiting teams in the 20-team global mega event.

Graeme Swann was quoted as saying by ANI: “The top four teams I would go for are India and England, and then Australia, unfortunately, and then the West Indies.”

The cricket pundit also hopes that the defending champions, England, will be able to defend their T20 World Cup title in the USA and West Indies after they failed to qualify for the knockout stages of the ODI World Cup 2023 in India and ended up in the seventh spot with just six points in nine games.

I hope they do well at T20 WC 2024: Graeme Swann on England's chances

However, the former England spinner feels that the tag of defending champions is hard to carry, but they have a strong squad to nullify all the challenges and retain the prestigious cup next month.

Notably, the England cricket team is currently a four-match T20I series against Pakistan at home. They will kick off their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign against Scotland on June 4 at Kensington Oval, Barbados.

Swann signed off by saying, “I hope so. Yeah, the last time they won; they played pretty good cricket in Australia. It is a different country to go to, the USA and the West Indies. Different forms of cricket. The pitches are nowhere near as hard and bouncy. So, I hope they do well. Defending champions is sometimes a hard tag to carry. Looking at the team, I think they are very strong.”