Cricket’s T20 World Cup officially begins Saturday following a chaotic build-up dominated by political controversy and last-minute changes. Bangladesh has been removed from the tournament, and Pakistan has refused to play their high-profile match against India.
Pakistan will now open their campaign against the Netherlands in Colombo. Meanwhile, defending champions India will play the United States in Mumbai later on day one, carrying the expectations of over a billion fans at home. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India are tournament favourites and expected to advance smoothly from Group A.
Other strong contenders include Australia and England. Australia, the 2021 winners, are missing key players such as Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood due to injuries. Despite this, Mitchell Marsh’s team is expected to progress from Group B against Ireland, Sri Lanka, Oman, and Zimbabwe.
England, led by Harry Brook for the first time as white-ball captain, starts against Nepal on Sunday in Mumbai. The team comes off a 3-0 series win in Sri Lanka and is considered a major contender from Group C, which also features West Indies, debutants Italy, Nepal, and Scotland. Scotland replaced Bangladesh at the last minute and will face West Indies on the opening day in Kolkata.
The chaotic build-up to this edition of the T20 World Cup has overshadowed preparations. Bangladesh was removed after refusing to play in India due to security concerns. Pakistan, while cleared by their government to participate, will not play the marquee clash against India on February 15, leaving the ICC waiting for formal confirmation from the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Political tensions escalated after Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from the IPL’s Kolkata Knight Riders squad. This sparked broader diplomatic and sporting disputes that have influenced the tournament schedule.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eights, with the top four eventually reaching the semi-finals. The final is scheduled for March 8 in Ahmedabad or Colombo, depending on Pakistan’s progress.
Fans and broadcasters alike hope the matches will restore focus to cricket after a chaotic build-up that has dominated headlines and sparked debate across the cricketing world.
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