'I'm not sure I'm a fan of that' - Mitchell Starc shows disapproval over pre-seeding system in Super Eight

Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has voiced his disapproval over the pre-seeding system implemented for the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Despite Australia topping Group B with convincing wins over England, Scotland, Namibia, and Oman, they were still seeded 'B2' for the Super Eight stage due to the tournament's pre-seeding process.

The pre-determined seedings have meant that group standings carry little weight in deciding the Super Eight fixtures, a structure that has drawn criticism. Starc, who has picked up just two wickets at an economy of 8.80 in his two group games, questioned the logic behind such a system.

“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.

Also read: Mitchell Starc clarifies Josh Hazlewood’s controversial statement

Australia to take on Bangladesh, Afghanistan, India in Super Eight

The pre-seeding has led to a situation where three group winners could potentially be pooled together in the same Super Eight group. Similar concerns were raised when former champions India were seeded as 'A1' regardless of their group stage performances.

The 2021 edition champions sealed their Super Eight berth with a five-wicket victory over Scotland. Chasing 181, fifties from Travis Head and Marcus Stoinis guided the Aussies with two balls to spare. Australia finished the group stage with a perfect 4-0 record.

Also read: David Warner Claims Unfair Treatment in Sandpapergate Scandal

However, Starc's tournament has been disrupted by a niggle that forced him to leave the field early against Oman and miss the Namibia clash entirely. Though he returned against Scotland, conceding 31 runs in four overs, the 34-year-old insisted he is ready to go for the Super Eight stage.

The mighty Australian will be up against Bangladesh on June 21 in Antigua. Followed by Afghanistan, and then India.