T20 World Cup 2024: How the super 8 groups would have shaped up without pre-seeding

The Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2024 is set to kick off on June 19, with eight teams competing for the semi-final spots. Despite the excitement, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has come under fire from fans for its controversial seeding process, which many feel has compromised the tournament's integrity.

In a global event like the T20 World Cup, the unpredictable nature of the competition is a major draw. Matches such as USA vs Pakistan and Canada vs Ireland showcased how smaller teams can challenge established nations, creating thrilling moments. Traditionally, teams topping their groups are rewarded with favorable draws against the second-best teams from other groups. For instance, India, having topped Group A, should ideally face the second-best team in Group B, the top team in Group C, and the second-best team in Group D.

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However, this time around, the ICC has deviated from this practice. The ICC, following its predictable formula, put India and Pakistan in the same group, so that they can ensure at least one match between the arch-rivals. A similar thing was done between England and Australia in Group B.

For the Super 8 stage, India (A1) has been drawn alongside Australia, who topped Group B (B1). This is unusual, as logically, Australia should face the second-best team from Group A (USA). This process, known as seeding, is meant to create balanced and fair matchups: A1, B2, C1, D2 and A2, B1, C2, D1.

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Instead, the ICC has pre-seeded the teams, placing A1, B1, C2, D2 in the same group. Although not explicitly stated, the motive appears to be to draw more viewers to marquee matches like India vs Australia, one of the most-watched games globally.

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ICC's Super 8 Groups:

Group 1: IND, AFG, AUS, BAN Group 2: WI, USA, SA, ENG

In an ideal scenario without pre-seeding, India¡¯s group would have looked different:

Group 1: IND, ENG, WI, BAN Group 2: USA, AUS, AFG, SA

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One could argue that India¡¯s group would have been tougher, facing defending champions England, two-time champions West Indies, and a tricky Bangladesh side under Najmul Shanto¡¯s captaincy.

The ICC's pre-seeding has left a bitter taste among players and fans, who feel that the focus is shifting from cricket quality to marketability. While the commercial aspect may hold some merit, fans invested in the sport are finding the tournament's predictability increasingly tedious.

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