The upcoming Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has sparked a major debate after the pre-seeding system has placed all four group-stage toppers – India, South Africa, West Indies, and Zimbabwe – in Group 1. Meanwhile, Group 2 features the teams that finished second in their respective groups: New Zealand, Pakistan, England, and Sri Lanka.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra has come forward with a strong response, dismissing social media claims suggesting that the schedule was designed to favour India or the BCCI.
“This tournament is happening in two countries. So, India have to play all their matches in India, and Sri Lanka and Pakistan have to play all their matches in Sri Lanka. So, it is mandatory to keep Sri Lanka and Pakistan in one group, and India must be in a different group. Nahi toh kaam kaise chalega?” Chopra was quoted as saying by NDTV Sports.
He also responded strongly to those alleging bias in the tournament structure.
“Many people are saying that all of this is favoring BCCI and is happening to favor BCCI only. To those people, I want to ask something, Dimaag khaali hai kya yaar? (Is your brain empty?) Why would we want to keep South Africa and West Indies in our group? How does it help us anyway which way? That Australia would lose, who knew? And Zimbabwe topped the group. So, don’t consider it as the weaker group. Do some research at least. Faltu ki baate mat kiya karo, shobha nahi deta (Don’t talk rubbish, it does not suit you),” he concluded.
The grouping for the Super 8 has raised eyebrows, as it guarantees that at least two of the best-performing teams from the first round will be knocked out before the semi-finals.
On the other hand, one of the second-placed teams will now have a comparatively smoother path to the final four, having to face teams which have not been in the best of forms compared to other group teams. The scenario is contradictory to the traditional system where group winners are rewarded with a comparatively easier path.
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