Fri Jan 02 13:42:30 UTC 2026: News Article:

Ashwin Blasts ICC’s T20 World Cup Scheduling, Predicts Low Viewership

New Delhi: Veteran Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has strongly criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the scheduling of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, slated to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7th to March 8th.

Ashwin expressed his concerns about the initial matches featuring India against associate nations, suggesting that these games could diminish public interest in the tournament. He argued that the frequent occurrence of ICC events is causing fatigue among fans, contrasting it with his childhood experience where World Cups were held every four years, building anticipation and excitement.

“No one is going to watch the ICC T20 World Cup this time,” Ashwin stated in a video on his YouTube channel ‘Ash ki Baat’. “India vs USA, India vs. Namibia—these are games that will literally pull you away from the World Cup.” He further lamented the change from earlier formats, where India faced stronger teams like England or Sri Lanka in the initial rounds, making the tournament more engaging.

Ashwin also voiced concerns about the future of ODI cricket, questioning its relevance beyond the 2027 World Cup. He highlighted the importance of star players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli participating in domestic tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy to maintain public interest, but wondered about the fate of the format once they retire.

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