Ex-Indian Cricketer Slams Haters Over Talks About ICC Favoring BCCI in T20 World Cup

Prior to the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, the 'pre-seeding' arrangement was also in place during the previous 2024 edition.

Ex-Indian Cricketer Slams Haters Over Talks About ICC Favoring BCCI in T20 World Cup

Aakash Chopra refuted criticism that the ICC's pre-seeding arrangement favors India. (via Inside Sport)

In Short
  • Aakash Chopra defended the ICC's pre-seeding system for the T20 World Cup against claims of bias towards BCCI.
  • Critics argue the groupings are unfair, with top teams facing each other early in the tournament.
  • Chopra emphasized that the group placements were logical due to co-hosting arrangements and historical precedents.

Former Indian cricketer-turned commentator Aakash Chopra had a stringent response to those who suggested that the ICC’s pre-seeding arrangement for the 2026 T20 World Cup gives an unfair advantage to India and the BCCI. These remarks were made just before the Super Eight phase.

The criticism surrounding the Super Eight ‘pre-seeding’ system has persisted, with many arguing that it undermines fairness. For the second round of the T20 WC, the eight best-performing sides have been put into two groups of four each, with the top two sides advancing to the semi-finals. India, Zimbabwe, South Africa and West Indies form Group 1, while Pakistan, New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka form Group 2. 

Because the ‘pre-seeding’ formula was based not on performance but on ICC rankings, it led to the creation of imbalanced groupings. Group 1 features all four table-toppers, who went unbeaten in the first round, meaning two dominant sides will be eliminated. Group 2, on the other hand, because of the pre-determined slots, now features the four runners-up, making it an easier path for these teams, irrespective of their group-stage position.

The pre-seeding system has faced considerable backlash, with critics claiming that the groupings were made in order to favor the BCCI and Indian broadcasters’ interests. However, former India opener Aakash Chopra argued that with the WC being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, both teams have been rightfully assigned to separate groups for a home advantage. Furthermore, he noted that Pakistan’s placement with Sri Lanka is due to the team’s refusal to travel to India. Chopra said, in a video posted on X:

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.

The 48-year-old also countered claims that suggested the Indian team has been intentionally placed in an ‘easier’ group. Chopra questioned their intelligence, adding that the Indian team would have never wanted two table-toppers, South Africa and West Indies, in its own Super Eight group, had it been colluding with the ICC. He further suggested that if Australia had qualified instead of Zimbabwe, the accusations of an ‘easier’ group would not have come up.

Many people are saying that all of this is favoring BCCI. To those, I want to ask, 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?… Don’t talk rubbish, it does not suit you.

Aakash Chopra also pointed out that a similar situation, where group-stage table-toppers were pitted against each other, had also occurred during the 2012 T20 World Cup. In that edition, a single Super Eight group included four table-toppers; India, Australia, Pakistan, and South Africa.

Biggest challenge for Abhishek Sharma vs. South Africa: Former India star weighs in

It has been a difficult T20 World Cup for Indian opener Abhishek Sharma. The 25-year-old faces another big challenge in the form of South African captain Aiden Markram, during the team’s opening Super Eight clash, as highlighted by ex-India cricketer Aakash Chopra. 

Aakash Chopra on Abhishek Sharma and Aiden Markram
Aakash Chopra predicted a matchup between India’s Abhishek Sharma and South African captain Aiden Markram in Super Eight clash. (via India Today)

The Men in Blue will next face off against 2024 finalists South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While the Indian team management has publicly backed young opener Abhishek Sharma to fire in the upcoming games, there is still a possibility that he might fall back. In his three appearances in the WC so far, the left-hander is yet to open his account, registering a dismal three successive ducks. 

In two out of his three dismissals, off-spinners had a part to play, with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and Netherlands’ Aryan Dutt taking his wicket. Aakash Chopra highlighted a tactical possibility, claiming that Proteas captain Aiden Markram could take the new ball in order to trouble Sharma. He urged the 25-year-old to exercise caution, noting that he should rotate strikes whenever necessary. 

Apart from Markram, South Africa also has other quality bowling options, in pacers Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, and Corbin Bosch. Against India, spinners are expected to play a crucial role, with Keshav Maharaj and George Linde being options. 

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