Why are all group toppers of T20 World Cup 2026 seeded already into a single Super 8 bracket?

[Bhaijaan]

India, South Africa, Zimbabwe, West Indies all went undefeated and topped their groups.

Yet ICC pre seeding ensured they all got grouped together in Super 8s

Whereas the other group gets all the runner ups

That’s strange and weird.

 

[sweep_shot]

Because of BCCICC?

In FIFA WC, 2nd round teams are determined by how teams do in group stage. Cricket also used to have that.

Ever since BCCICC happened, groups are often blatantly rigged.

 

[OldWarHorse]

Atleast we won't get any lopsided groups, thats better for the fans

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Should have been

IND, SL, WI and NZ in one group

PAK, ZIM, ENG, SA in the other group

With group toppers carrying over 2 points.

 

[Ab Fan]

No, I think it is because SL has to be in different group than India as they are co-host. But here they ended up losing to Zim and came second in their table.

 

[Savak]

Personally don't like this group system, i like the 1992, 2019, 2023 WC system where all teams are put in one pool and everyone has to face each other once and the top 4 teams square off in the semis. This gives every team a chance to overcome early set backs, slow starts and to recover in the middle of the tournament.

This group system effectively eliminates teams for having 1-2 bad days at the office.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Logistics reasons due to pakistan not playing in India

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Personally don't like this group system, i like the 1992, 2019, 2023 WC system where all teams are put in one pool and everyone has to face each other once and the top 4 teams square off in the semis.

Bro, t20s need more teams. Italy, Nepal, usa, ned, zim all have shown good fight. We have 12 test playing nations. We cant have 10 team wc, thats ct

 

[AAli98]

Because of BCCICC?

In FIFA WC, 2nd round teams are determined by how teams do in group stage. Cricket also used to have that.

Ever since BCCICC happened, groups are often blatantly rigged.

Last t20

if India qualify for semis they will play in guyana

This t20

If India qualify for semis they will play in wankhede

They know beforehand so pick the appropriate squad

Just give them the trophy these icc tournaments have become a joke.

 

[sweep_shot]

Last t20

if India qualify for semis they will play in guyana

This t20

If India qualify for semis they will play in wankhede

Just give them the trophy these icc tournaments have become a joke.

Exactly.

It is a complete farce.

Cricket World Cups no longer mean much because of these Indian antics. They get venue perks and scheduling perks which other teams do not get. How is it a World Cup?

 

[deltexas]

You got to beat the best to win a WC. No complaints .

 

[AAli98]

Exactly.

It is a complete farce.

Cricket World Cups no longer mean much because of these Indian antics. They get venue perks and scheduling perks which other teams do not get. How is it a World Cup?

Imagine eng saying if we qualify we want our semi at Lords.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

It is rigged to ensure India play cerrtain matches in certain stadiums in certain days to maximise TV coverage

 

[deltexas]

Last t20

if India qualify for semis they will play in guyana

This t20

If India qualify for semis they will play in wankhede

They know beforehand so pick the appropriate squad

Just give them the trophy these icc tournaments have become a joke.

If Pak qualify for SF, they play in SL and final as well. Just give Pak the trophy... Well , but you still have to play well to get to the SF. Typical loser mentality. You have to beat the best to win a WC and guess you dont believe in that

 

[Bhaijaan]

Bruh

https://twitter.com/x/status/2024472792008446460

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Personally don't like this group system, i like the 1992, 2019, 2023 WC system where all teams are put in one pool and everyone has to face each other once and the top 4 teams square off in the semis. This gives every team a chance to overcome early set backs, slow starts and to recover in the middle of the tournament.

This group system effectively eliminates teams for having 1-2 bad days at the office.

I prefer this. It adds more drama and teams need to be on their A- Game throughout.

 

[sweep_shot]

Imagine eng saying if we qualify we want our semi at Lords.

Yup.

Indians would probably scream "racist", "white supremacist" etc.

Indians can dish it out but cry when they get it back.

 

[deltexas]

Imagine eng saying if we qualify we want our semi at Lords.

If the WC is held in Eng, yes they will ask for the SF to be in Eng and not Ireland.

 

[Devadwal]

Last t20

if India qualify for semis they will play in guyana

This t20

If India qualify for semis they will play in wankhede

They know beforehand so pick the appropriate squad

Just give them the trophy these icc tournaments have become a joke.

Lol again spreading misinformation. If india - Pakistan meet with each other they will play semi final in Colombo.

 

[AAli98]

If the WC is held in Eng, yes they will ask for the SF to be in Eng and not Ireland.

The 2 semi stadiums are kolkatta & wankhede but it says if India qualifys for semis no matter what they will play in wankhede.

 

[Devadwal]

The 2 semi stadiums are kolkatta & wankhede but it says if India qualifys for semis no matter what they will play in wankhede.

Stop posting Fake Propaganda from Pakistan fake propaganda factory. But saram ati ni h

 

[sweep_shot]

It is rigged to ensure India play cerrtain matches in certain stadiums in certain days to maximise TV coverage

I cannot think of any other sport where this happens.

Stupid farce.

 

[AAli98]

Lol again spreading misinformation. If india - Pakistan meet with each other they will play semi final in Colombo.

That’s Hybrid separate issue Ind will have to travel to Lanka

 

[KingKhanWC]

Tough group for India , all in form teams . India will lose one match but may go down twice to exit the tournament

 

[Cover Drive Six]

The 2 semi stadiums are kolkatta & wankhede but it says if India qualifys for semis no matter what they will play in wankhede.

I don’t understand what kind of conspiracy you are finding in this.
Colombo was fixed long back if India and Pakistan reach the semi-finals. Similarly, Wankhede was fixed long back if India doesn’t play against Pakistan in SF.

 

[Cover Drive Six]

It is rigged to ensure India play cerrtain matches in certain stadiums in certain days to maximise TV coverage

How is it rigged? How do you know the rankings of India, Pakistan, or other teams well in advance to decide certain stadiums?

 

[deltexas]

The 2 semi stadiums are kolkatta & wankhede but it says if India qualifys for semis no matter what they will play in wankhede.

Nope. If Pak qualifies for the SF , then it will be in Colombo. Same for final as well if they get that far

The semi-final format in the T20 World Cup follows a cross-group pattern. The team that finishes first in Group A plays against the team that finishes second in Group B. Similarly, the team that finishes first in Group B plays the team that finishes second in Group A.


This structure creates a direct path for India and Pakistan to meet in the semi-finals. If India finishes first in their Super 8 group and Pakistan finishes second in their group, the two teams will face each other in one semi-final. The same applies if Pakistan finishes first and India finishes second.

So, does Pak have huge adv playing all games in SL and Colombo ???

 

[AAli98]

Forget pak they are not making semis why has India been told no matter what you will play semi in wankhede & not kalcatta.

How is that fair on other teams.

 

[jnaveen1980]

So, does Pak have huge adv playing all games in SL and Colombo ???

Clearly. They prepared similar pitch against Australia and picked the team and squad accordingly. They are the best prepared team for this wc

 

[Devadwal]

That’s Hybrid separate issue Ind will have to travel to Lanka

Then why you're crying? India will play at Mumbai if pakistan qualify for semi and doesn't face the india.

1st semi in Colombo and 2nd Mumbai.

Atleast some time talk with logic instead using same fake propaganda

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

A couple of reasons. One - they want to maximize the probability of matches they see as high-value fixtures. i.e. India v Australia, India v South Africa. Two - it makes travel somewhat easier for fans. Especially if they are planning on travelling to both countries. The ironic thing is that Australia still got eliminated despite all this group fixing.

IMO, stuff like this needs to stop. Because it makes where a team finishes in their respective group completely meaningless. Finishing second is just as good as finishing first. And that really stands completely in opposition to the spirit a World Cup tournament like this one.

 

[Devadwal]

Forget pak they are not making semis why has India been told no matter what you will play semi in wankhede & not kalcatta.

How is that fair on other teams.

Because Kolkata is not fixed for semifinal as of yet but idiots like you won't understand.

 

[sweep_shot]

Forget pak they are not making semis why has India been told no matter what you will play semi in wankhede & not kalcatta.

How is that fair on other teams.

They made everything about India.

This is why I propose changing the name from World Cup to India Cup or Sanghi Cup. Why call it a World Cup?

 

[straighttalk]

Think of it Pak has a golden chance to go to semis..with the matches be in slow low Sri Lanka..


Pak start as favorites against their whipping boyz NZ
England is in poor form..so I think in these conditions Pak will win.

Sri Lanka and Pak is going to be close . But that would put Pak at no 2 for sure . NRR will be a factor here.

 

[straighttalk]

They made everything about India.

This is why I propose changing the name from World Cup to India Cup or Sanghi Cup. Why call it a World Cup?

It's called world cup so that Islamic Republic of Bangaldesh could participate...until the Islamic Republic was booted out and then the secular Bangladeshi people booted out religious party in the election

 

[DeadlyVenom]

How is it rigged? How do you know the rankings of India, Pakistan, or other teams well in advance to decide certain stadiums?

It is rigged to maximise viewership of the Indian audience.

Has been for a while.

Rigged at the start for guaranteed India-Pakistan.

Then, it will be rigged so broadcasters know where India will play in future games.

It is not like other sports where a draw takes place.

 

[Cricfan8920]

They made everything about India.

This is why I propose changing the name from World Cup to India Cup or Sanghi Cup. Why call it a World Cup?

I like Sanghi cup and then force BD and Pak teams to wear saffron uniforms. But wait, BD won’t even be allowed to participate

 

[RidiculousMan]

I like it. This is like the battle of the toppers! Whoever wins all their game in this Group definitely will win the WT20. Surely!

 

[Devadwal]

Pakistani fan's arr crying because they know india is going to face Zimbabwe in one game.

Are top team's ayi hai SAB group ki to to to or difficult group hota hai na.

 

[SportsWarrior]

India, South Africa, Zimbabwe, West Indies all went undefeated and topped their groups.

Yet ICC pre seeding ensured they all got grouped together in Super 8s

Whereas the other group gets all the runner ups

That’s strange and weird.

View attachment 161898

because Pak has to play all their matches in SL. SL and Ind will obviously want to play their matches at home due to being hosts. With those restrictions, can you come up with a better plan?

 

[SportsWarrior]

Personally don't like this group system, i like the 1992, 2019, 2023 WC system where all teams are put in one pool and everyone has to face each other once and the top 4 teams square off in the semis. This gives every team a chance to overcome early set backs, slow starts and to recover in the middle of the tournament.

This group system effectively eliminates teams for having 1-2 bad days at the office.

you can't have 20 teams going through league. there will be way too many matches.. literally 100s

 

[SportsWarrior]

Last t20

if India qualify for semis they will play in guyana

This t20

If India qualify for semis they will play in wankhede

They know beforehand so pick the appropriate squad

Just give them the trophy these icc tournaments have become a joke.

so does Pak and SL

 

[deltexas]

It is rigged to maximise viewership of the Indian audience.

Has been for a while.

Rigged at the start for guaranteed India-Pakistan.

Then, it will be rigged so broadcasters know where India will play in future games.

It is not like other sports where a draw takes place.

Nothing is rigged. You have to beat the best to win a WC. In a way, it is actually easier for Pak too. With the Ind Pak game , the other teams will be associates because the ICC would not want Ind to crash out at the group stage. So , makes it easier for Pak too because other than Ind, the others will be associates and no other stronger team like Afg, SL etc . Honestly , I would not complain if ICC put Ind Aus SA NZ Pak in the initial group stage also. You have got to be able to beat the best to win a WC , to be the best team you have got to win against anyone..

 

[JaDed]

It is rigged to ensure India play cerrtain matches in certain stadiums in certain days to maximise TV coverage

In colombo?

 

[JaDed]

so does Pak and SL

They refuse to see that.. but it’s fine.. happens the same with umpire decisions.

 

[JaDed]

Can’t being even in WI t20wc they found an issue lol.. this wc PCT is getting an easy fixture on location and yet the complaints.

 

[deltexas]

They refuse to see that.. but it’s fine.. happens the same with umpire decisions.

No wonder with a loser mentality like that, Pak team doesnt win anything. Always claim victimhood.

 

[Sachin fan]

No, I think it is because SL has to be in different group than India as they are co-host. But here they ended up losing to Zim and came second in their table.

Coming first or second in the table has nothing to do with which group teams ended up in. The top 8 teams were seeded before the tournament and groups were pre decided regardless of where they ended up in the table.

Zimbabwe just took Australia's place in group 1, sri lanka was always going to be in group 2

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Nothing is rigged. You have to beat the best to win a WC. In a way, it is actually easier for Pak too. With the Ind Pak game , the other teams will be associates because the ICC would not want Ind to crash out at the group stage. So , makes it easier for Pak too because other than Ind, the others will be associates and no other stronger team like Afg, SL etc . Honestly , I would not complain if ICC put Ind Aus SA NZ Pak in the initial group stage also. You have got to be able to beat the best to win a WC , to be the best team you have got to win against anyone..

Doesn't matter who the beneficiary is. Pre-determined draws shouldn't happen in a tournament.

These Rocky quotes of being the best, etc., don't change that the draws are predetermined. It shouldn't happen that way in a tournament. Not sure why it hurts the Indians so much. Sometimes you guys act hurt, othertimes you say that because we bring the money we deserve it.

 

[deltexas]

It is rigged to maximise viewership of the Indian audience.

Has been for a while.

Rigged at the start for guaranteed India-Pakistan.

Then, it will be rigged so broadcasters know where India will play in future games.

It is not like other sports where a draw takes place.

Question.. WC matches no matter where they are played are always scheduled to max the Ind TV prime time TV audience. Matches in the 2024 WC in USA were held at 10 am for Ind and SC primetime audience. So, is that acceptable ? What do you think ? Why does only cricket do that and not other sports ??

 

[deltexas]

Doesn't matter who the beneficiary is. Pre-determined draws shouldn't happen in a tournament.

These Rocky quotes of being the best, etc., don't change that the draws are predetermined. It shouldn't happen that way in a tournament. Not sure why it hurts the Indians so much. Sometimes you guys act hurt, othertimes you say that because we bring the money we deserve it.

Doesn't hurt me at all. As I said even if they all top 5 teams in the same group, I am good. No rocky quotes, losers always will have a loser victimhood mentality. Draws are predetermined but teams still have to win their group stage games to qualify. Aus couldnt. Eng almost couldnt.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Can’t being even in WI t20wc they found an issue lol.. this wc PCT is getting an easy fixture on location and yet the complaints.

We Pakistanis weren't alone in finding an issue bhai. Most of the commentators complained, even Indians like Manjrekar acknowledged it, he mentioned India has a clear advantage knowing their semi final in advance.

Of course, the team still has to perform, but margins like these can make a big difference in a tournament.

People now saying Pak has advantage in Lanka. Yeah it does compared to other teams. But this mess was created by your board and ICC so blame lies with them.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Question.. WC matches no matter where they are played are always scheduled to max the Ind TV prime time TV audience. Matches in the 2024 WC in USA were held at 10 am for Ind and SC primetime audience. So, is that acceptable ? What do you think ? Why does only cricket do that and not other sports ??

Isn't it rigged schedule then. Not sure why are you asking me the question, I am saying it is rigged and rubbish that it can happen in a prime sport event. You are the one justifying it for some reason bro.

Why Indians can only watch match at 10am and not 6am is a question for Indian fans too.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Broadcasters this time will be abusing BCCICC under their breath, as Bangladesh got sidelined for West Bengal encounters, Zimbabwe may not ever face Pakistan, No India-Australia on cards this time. Even No Aus-England fixture around. This pre seeding has just robbed them of a big paycheck and eyeballs

 

[deltexas]

We Pakistanis weren't alone in finding an issue bhai. Most of the commentators complained, even Indians like Manjrekar acknowledged it, he mentioned India has a clear advantage knowing their semi final in advance.

Of course, the team still has to perform, but margins like these can make a big difference in a tournament.

People now saying Pak has advantage in Lanka. Yeah it does compared to other teams. But this mess was created by your board and ICC so blame lies with them.

The 2015 WC in Aus / NZ and the 1992 WC -- if NZ reached SF, they would be playing in NZ and if Aus reached SF, they would play in Aus.. Rigged?? Thats just the nature of WCs. You still have to play well to win a WC.

 

[Devadwal]

Pakistan is playing all the matches in one country, yet they are crying and complaining.

It is written in their fate that they will only cry and complain, as well as show a victim mentality.

 

[Cricfan8920]

We Pakistanis weren't alone in finding an issue bhai. Most of the commentators complained, even Indians like Manjrekar acknowledged it, he mentioned India has a clear advantage knowing their semi final in advance.

Of course, the team still has to perform, but margins like these can make a big difference in a tournament.

People now saying Pak has advantage in Lanka. Yeah it does compared to other teams. But this mess was created by your board and ICC so blame lies with them.

I have a feeling Ind may not make it to semis.

 

[deltexas]

Isn't it rigged schedule then. Not sure why are you asking me the question, I am saying it is rigged and rubbish that it can happen in a prime sport event. You are the one justifying it for some reason bro.

Why Indians can only watch match at 10am and not 6am is a question for Indian fans too.

OK. The 2027 WC FIFA soccer WC has games starting in USA at 2pm in the hot afternoon explicitly to match the European prime time viewership audience. So, why is FIFA doing it ? Bet you didnt know about that and "only" cricket does it ..

And for the 2024 T20WC in USA - 10am USA time was 7pm Ind/SC prime time thats why..

 

[Devadwal]

Broadcasters this time will be abusing BCCICC under their breath, as Bangladesh got sidelined for West Bengal encounters, Zimbabwe may not ever face Pakistan, No India-Australia on cards this time. Even No Aus-England fixture around. This pre seeding has just robbed them of a big paycheck and eyeballs

It is their problem whether they remain in profit or in loss.

I'll post the actual Profits number once the tournament finished and ICC released the numbers.

 

[sweep_shot]

We Pakistanis weren't alone in finding an issue bhai. Most of the commentators complained, even Indians like Manjrekar acknowledged it, he mentioned India has a clear advantage knowing their semi final in advance.

Of course, the team still has to perform, but margins like these can make a big difference in a tournament.

People now saying Pak has advantage in Lanka. Yeah it does compared to other teams. But this mess was created by your board and ICC so blame lies with them.

Everybody with a functioning brain can see everything is rigged in favor of India.

Low-IQ bhakts are unlikely to understand or acknowledge this, however.

 

[jnaveen1980]

If there is one team that benefits overwhelmingly with this schedule and grouping that is Pakistan. Did not play a single game in India. But india had to play and will.play if necessary. So it is extremely comical thst pakistan fans are the ones who raise this issuem.Thanks for the laughs. Elite Trump move.

 

[JaDed]

We Pakistanis weren't alone in finding an issue bhai. Most of the commentators complained, even Indians like Manjrekar acknowledged it, he mentioned India has a clear advantage knowing their semi final in advance.

Of course, the team still has to perform, but margins like these can make a big difference in a tournament.

People now saying Pak has advantage in Lanka. Yeah it does compared to other teams. But this mess was created by your board and ICC so blame lies with them.

So can PCT take advantage?Also knowing the semifinal location has an advantage?

 

[deltexas]

Broadcasters this time will be abusing BCCICC under their breath, as Bangladesh got sidelined for West Bengal encounters, Zimbabwe may not ever face Pakistan, No India-Australia on cards this time. Even No Aus-England fixture around. This pre seeding has just robbed them of a big paycheck and eyeballs

Teams still have to play well to win. Thats a concept I guess is alien to the Pak supporters no matter where you are placed. Ind was seeded with Aus SA WI, so if Aus played poorly and crashed out its on them. Claim everything else except playing well to win a WC tournament.

 

[deltexas]

If there is one team that benefits overwhelmingly with this schedule and grouping that is Pakistan. Did not play a single game in India. But india had to play and will.play if necessary. So it is extremely comical thst pakistan fans are the ones who raise this issuem.Thanks for the laughs. Elite Trump move.

Even if they all their games in Pak , they will still lose and crash out. They cant accept the reality that Pak team is a pretty mediocre team no matter where they play.

 

[deltexas]

I have a feeling Ind may not make it to semis.

Sure, if they dont play well and crash out. Thats how it is supposed to be. Its top level competetive cricket, no excuses.

 

[Devadwal]

We Pakistanis weren't alone in finding an issue bhai. Most of the commentators complained, even Indians like Manjrekar acknowledged it, he mentioned India has a clear advantage knowing their semi final in advance.

Of course, the team still has to perform, but margins like these can make a big difference in a tournament.

People now saying Pak has advantage in Lanka. Yeah it does compared to other teams. But this mess was created by your board and ICC so blame lies with them.

In this World T20, Team India's semi-final /final venues are not decided yet, but Pakistan's semi-final / final venue has been decided a year ago.

Now #Haihimmat to win the tournament?

 

[sweep_shot]

I just hope Indians will not control other sports in the future. They should be prevented from messing up football, tennis etc.

Cricket has become a lost cause sadly.

I don't see cricket becoming great again, unless countries ditch ICC and form a new governing body with neutral leadership.

 

[Cricfan8920]

Sure, if they dont play well and crash out. Thats how it is supposed to be. Its top level competetive cricket, no excuses.

Agree, although this thread is all about excuses

 

[Cricfan8920]

I just hope Indians will not control other sports in the future. They should be prevented from messing up football, tennis etc.

Cricket has become a lost cause sadly.

I don't see cricket becoming great again, unless countries ditch ICC and form a new governing body with neutral leadership.

With India or without it?

 

[deltexas]

Agree, although this thread is all about excuses

What excuses ? Where ? All the excuses are from Pak supporters. And fine, if thats what they want to cling on to.

 

[deltexas]

With India or without it?

Cricket will become great again with Ban joining the 2028 T20 WC LOL !

 

[Cricfan8920]

What excuses ? Where ? All the excuses are from Pak supporters. And fine, if thats what they want to cling on to.

That's what I meant

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

ICC Rankings. Zimbabwe are ranked 11th but punching way above their weight.

Meanwhile, no team plays more T20s than Pakistan, probably because they don't get enough tests. Look at Australia and England.

 

[sweep_shot]

With India or without it?

India alone should not be allowed to control. They introduce discriminatory caste-like system everywhere.

Cricket should be controlled by the goras or control can be decentralized I guess.

 

[JaDed]

ICC Rankings. Zimbabwe are ranked 11th but punching way above their weight.

Meanwhile, no team plays more T20s than Pakistan, probably because they don't get enough tests. Look at Australia and England.
View attachment 161902

The issues of Aus are obvious now, their players many don’t even consistently play leagues.. Zim played a lot against PcT and Lanka last year and their performance shows.

Only one that never improves inspite of playing top teams is Bangladesh.. but we expect that from them

 

[Cricfan8920]

India alone should not be allowed to control. They introduce discriminatory caste-like system everywhere.

Cricket should be controlled by the goras or control can be decentralized I guess.

I don't think Ind are controlling anything. They are just an obedient member of this democratic council .

 

[Hikaru]

I love how Bhartiyas are oozing that self-assured alpha energy in the thread, while the fans from the other side have stuck to the usual script - hiding behind victimhood and excuses.

 

[Devadwal]

I love how Bhartiyas are oozing that self-assured alpha energy in the thread, while the fans from the other side have stuck to the usual script - hiding behind victimhood and excuses.

Just as the Indian team humiliated and exposed the Pakistan team, the Indian fans exposed the Pakistan fans.

 

[shah9425]

ICC should start marking live draw like FIFA

Stop making these groups behind close doors

 

[DeadlyVenom]

ICC should start marking live draw like FIFA

Stop making these groups behind close doors

Put very simply this is correct.

And most fans would want it across sports.

Unfortunately it's difficult to have these conversations with Indians, their needle is stuck on things like ratings, Indian markets, Pakistan etc etc. Rather than want to hold ICC accountable and cricket made it into a proper sport they cheer this sort of nonsense on.

Which sports has a group where opening round fixtures are decided and next round can have the top teams in same group? It is a stunning display of poor administration. Unfortunately Indians will cheer it on because man in charge is nephew of their PM.

Not one has had decency to admit to this rigging, instead they say yeah we rigged but erm Pakistan can benefit too. What kind of arguments this is?