The International Cricket Council (ICC) has stirred controversy by granting India the coveted second semi-final slot for the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2024, slated to unfold in the United States and the West Indies from June 1.
India finds itself placed in Group A alongside traditional rivals Pakistan, as well as teams from USA, Canada, and Ireland. Should Rohit Sharma’s squad progress to the knockout stage, they will compete in the second semi-final at Providence, Guyana.
The decision to allocate the second semi-final slot in T20 World Cup to India was influenced by considerations of match timings. The first semi-final, scheduled to be played in Tarouba, Trinidad, commences at 8:30 local time, translating to 6:00 AM in India—a less favourable timing for the Indian audience.
In contrast, the second semi-final, starting at 10:30 AM locally, corresponds to 8:00 PM in India, a more convenient time. This scheduling ensures that Indian cricket aficionados can tune in comfortably at 8:00 PM India time, maximizing viewership and engagement.
The final match of the World Cup will be a day game, commencing at 10:00 AM locally on June 29, which corresponds to 7:30 PM in India.
Notably, the second semi-final will not have a reserve day. Instead, an additional 250 minutes of extra time will be allotted in case of any delays. However, reserve days have been allocated for the first semi-final and the final.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.