Aakash Chopra points finger at favorable groupings for top teams

Renowned cricket analyst Aakash Chopra has raised eyebrows with his observations on the groupings for the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup being co-hosted by the USA and West Indies.

 Chopra highlighted what he sees as significant imbalances, suggesting that economic interests may have influenced the allocations.

In a recent analysis shared on his YouTube channel, the renowned commentator scrutinized the composition of the groups, noting that traditional powerhouses like India, Pakistan, England, and Australia seem to have landed in more favorable pools.

India and Pakistan find themselves in Group A alongside Ireland, Canada, and the United States of America, while England and Australia are grouped with Scotland, Namibia, and Oman in Group B. Chopra, in his analysis, hinted at a strategic placement of teams to ensure the progression of cricket's biggest draws.

"Logically, Scotland shouldn't trouble England that much but Scotland and Ireland are teams whose players are seen playing a lot in county cricket, and that's why it's a team that can trouble slightly. It's a slight potential banana skin. This group has Australia and England, and Scotland are the third biggest team. So the understanding has been kept that qualification becomes certain," Chopra said.

"You might be wondering why India are in such a group whereas Group D has South Africa, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and the Netherlands. There are chances of so many upsets. England and Australia are in a group from which qualification will be easy. India and Pakistan are also in such a group. This is pure economics. You want your main teams to progress," he added.