The T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 format has caused the International Cricket Council (ICC) to face harsh criticism, putting it in the middle of a sporting dispute. ICC was embroiled in a social media frenzy over the "pre-seeding" process as the identities of the eight teams that would advance to the next stage of the competition were finalized. Consequently, the four runners-up have been assigned to the second group, while the four group winners are all in the same Super 8 group.
The Super 8 groups now have a significant imbalance as a result of the pre-seeding system. Before the competition ever started, the ICC gave the best teams fixed spots (such as A1, B1, C1, and D1).

All four of the teams that won their groups—South Africa, Zimbabwe, India, and the West Indies—are now in Group 1.
In contrast, all of the runners-up in Group 2 are from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England, and New Zealand.
A team that merely finished second in its group now has a "easier" route to the last four, while two of the tournament's top-performing teams from the first round will be ousted before the semi-finals thanks to this arrangement. Sports tournament progression is often intended to reward group winners, however in this structure, placing first provides minimal motivation.
For instance, despite winning their group, South Africa is regarded as a lower seed since New Zealand, who placed second in their group, was given a higher rating beforehand.

The final group-stage matches therefore lose their significance for Super 8 placement after the top eight teams are determined, depriving the event of the exciting end-game drama that fans have come to expect.

The scheduling disadvantages co-host Sri Lanka, according to critics. The pre-established bracket requires them to fly to India, depriving them of the opportunity to perform in front of their home audience in Colombo, even though they have played their entire campaign at home thus far.
Citing logistical difficulties, the ICC has defended the action. Early preparation is required to co-host the event in India and Sri Lanka, and the governing body maintains that the pre-seeding procedure was required to handle scheduling and locations.