The T20 World Cup kicks off amid political turmoil, with Bangladesh expelled and Pakistan refusing to play India, as the hosts start as firm favourites.
CRICKET’S T20 World Cup begins on Saturday after an acrimonious build-up overshadowed by political turmoil.
The tournament starts with Bangladesh expelled and Pakistan refusing to face arch-rivals and co-hosts India.
Pakistan will open the tournament against the Netherlands in Colombo. Defending champions and favourites India begin their campaign against the United States in Mumbai later the same day.
Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India are expected to ease into the Super Eight stage from Group A. They will be wary of a United States side that shocked Pakistan to reach the Super Eights in 2024.
Former champions Australia and England are also strong contenders to lift the trophy. The 2021 winners Australia have been hit by the absence of pace spearhead Pat Cummins, ruled out with a back injury.
Pace bowler Josh Hazlewood will also miss the early stages with injury. Led by Mitchell Marsh, Australia should still ease into the next round from Group B.
Harry Brook’s England, full of confidence after a 3-0 series win in Sri Lanka, are expected to progress from Group C. Brook takes charge at a global tournament for the first time since replacing Jos Buttler as white-ball captain.
Scotland, after their 11th-hour call-up to replace Bangladesh, face the West Indies in Kolkata on opening day. Football powerhouse Italy will make their cricket World Cup debut against Scotland on Monday.
South Africa, the 2024 runners-up, are buoyed by winning the World Test Championship last year. They must first emerge from a tough Group D containing New Zealand and Afghanistan.
The top two teams from each of the four groups advance to the Super Eights. The top four will then make the semi-finals.
There will be relief when the action begins after weeks of political posturing. Bangladesh were kicked out by the International Cricket Council after refusing to play in India, citing security concerns.
Pakistan, who had backed Bangladesh’s plea, were cleared to play but ordered to boycott their marquee group clash against India on February 15. According to media reports, the ICC is still waiting for formal communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board on the boycott.
If India are awarded a walkover, Pakistan will lose two points and take a big hit to their net run rate. Pakistan’s pullout will result in a loss of millions of dollars in revenue for broadcasters.
The crisis was triggered last month when India’s cricket board ordered an IPL team to drop Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman. The tournament will conclude with the final on March 8.