ICC Denies Bias Toward BCCI in T20 World Cup Super 8 Claims, Issues Strong Rebuttal
Former India opener explains logistical reasons behind group placements and dismisses social media allegations
SouthAfrica, Feb 21 : The T20 World Cup Super 8 stage has sparked debate after all group-stage toppers India, South Africa, West Indies, and Zimbabwe were placed in Group 1, while second placed teams New Zealand, Pakistan, England, and Sri Lanka formed Group 2. Critics argued that the draw could unfairly favor India, giving some second placed teams an easier path to the semi-finals.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra strongly rejected these claims, citing logistical constraints and historical precedence. “This tournament is happening in two countries. India has to play all its matches in India, and Sri Lanka and Pakistan play all their matches in Sri Lanka. That’s why the groups had to be formed this way,” he explained.
Chopra added that the notion of the Super 8 draw favoring India is misleading. “Why would we want South Africa and West Indies in our group? How does it help us? Zimbabwe topped their group, and this isn’t a weaker group. Do some research at least. Faltu ki baatey mat kiya karo, sobha nahi deta (Don’t talk rubbish),” he said.
He also referenced the 2012 T20 World Cup, noting that a similar scenario had occurred when all group stage toppers were clubbed together in the Super 8 stage. “People are saying pre seeding favors India. But this isn’t the first time. It happened in 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2012,” Chopra said.
The former cricketer emphasized that the structure aims to accommodate tournament logistics and venue allocations, rather than provide any competitive advantage to the BCCI.
