The ongoing controversy surrounding the pre-seeding format in the T20 World Cup Super 8s has drawn strong reactions from fans, but former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes the debate is coming a little too late.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has faced criticism after all four group-stage table toppers India, Zimbabwe, West Indies and South Africa were placed together in one Super 8 group. Meanwhile, the second-placed teams England, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and New Zealand form the other group. Critics argue that the format unfairly pits the strongest teams against each other early, potentially eliminating top performers before the semifinals.
Reacting to the backlash, Gavaskar questioned why concerns were not raised earlier. He pointed out that the format and pre-seeding structure were announced well before the tournament began. “Why bring this up now? Why was this not discussed before the tournament started?” he remarked during a television appearance.
Gavaskar suggested that logistical considerations may have influenced the decision. With the tournament being played across two countries, factors such as international travel, immigration processes, flight availability and hotel arrangements would have played a role. Different teams travel with varying squad sizes and support staff, requiring complex coordination in terms of accommodation and movement.
The pre-seeding was reportedly based on ICC T20I rankings prior to the tournament, with fixed Super 8 slots allocated in advance. This meant that even if teams topped their respective groups, their Super 8 positions were already determined.
While fans particularly from Sri Lanka have voiced dissatisfaction, Gavaskar’s comments underline the importance of addressing structural concerns before a tournament begins rather than midway through its crucial stages.
