Key points
- All group winners placed together
- Pre-seeding creates competitive imbalance
- Runners-up gain potentially easier path
ISLAMABAD: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is facing growing criticism over the Super 8 structure at the T20 World Cup 2026, with many questioning the fairness of the tournament’s pre-seeding format.
The controversy erupted after the eight qualifying teams were confirmed, revealing that all four group winners had been placed together in the same Super 8 group. Under the current system, fixed positions such as A1, B1, C1 and D1 were allocated before the tournament began, effectively locking teams into predetermined slots regardless of later outcomes.
As a result, Group 1 features India, Zimbabwe, West Indies and South Africa — all of whom topped their respective groups. Group 2 comprises the four runners-up: Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England and New Zealand.
Competitive imbalance
Critics argue that the format creates a competitive imbalance. With all group winners clustered together, at least two of the strongest first-round performers are guaranteed to be eliminated before the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, a team that finished second in the group stage could benefit from a comparatively smoother route to the final four. Traditionally, topping a group offers a tangible advantage, but under this arrangement, that incentive appears diminished.
South Africa’s case has drawn particular attention. Despite winning their group, they are effectively ranked below New Zealand, who progressed as runners-up but were pre-seeded higher.
There are also concerns about the impact on scheduling and venues. Co-hosts Sri Lanka, for instance, may be required to travel to India for a potential semi-final, despite having played their campaign at home so far.
The ICC has defended the structure, citing logistical demands linked to staging the tournament across two countries and maintaining a fixed schedule.
