Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc expressed dissatisfaction with the ICC’s pre-seeding strategy for teams in the recently concluded T20 World Cup. Starc highlighted concerns over the tournament’s scheduling, emphasizing the challenges it posed for players, particularly with extensive travel requirements. Australia’s exit from the tournament came after losses to Afghanistan and India in consecutive Super 8 matches, ending their campaign prematurely despite a strong start.

 “It wasn’t ideal preparation,” he stated on the Willow Talk podcast.

He described hopping between Caribbean islands every other day, playing matches under vastly different conditions – some mornings, some evenings. “Two-night games and the third a day game,” he said, highlighting the disruption to player routines.

During the podcast, Mitchell Starc raised objections regarding the pre-seeding process implemented in the tournament. He criticized the decision to categorize Australia as ‘B2’ despite their flawless record in the group stage. Starc argued that the pre-determined seeding system overlooked the actual performance of teams during the initial stages of the World Cup, a sentiment he had previously expressed during press conferences held throughout the tournament.

“I think there’s a question to be asked about pre-seeding. I’m not sure I’m a fan of that,” Starc said in a press conference after one of the league games.

Mitchell Starc Questions ICC’s Pre-Seeding System

The 34-year-old further questioned the scheduling and travel logistics during the tournament with teams almost required to play back-to-back games including traveling from one island to another island.

“We end up ahead of England yet we end up on where we were pre-seeded in the second side. I am not saying that’s going to change anything but all of a sudden you are in a different group. Why not have the bulk of the tournament at the beginning, then spread things out later?” said Starc on the podcast highlighting the complex process that ICC had invested in. In the same point, he also spoke about the travel for the fans which is why the semi-final venue for a few teams was decided.

The anchor of the podcast further said “It’s mind-boggling and stupid that the results from the group stage don’t count. It counts on the pre-seed, No other sporting contest does that. I have never heard of that ever before”