Former India international Krishnamachari Srikkanth turned down any possibilities to see Afghanistan in the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The former cricketer also raised a question over the Afghan cricketer’s age.
The T20 World Cup 2026 is all set to commence in India and Sri Lanka on February 7; there are only a few hours to go before the opening match of the contest. Ahead of the tournament, discussions are going around about what could be the top four teams of the tournament.
Afghanistan to book a slot in the 2026 T20 World Cup semi-finals as well?
Afghanistan is considered one of the best in the business when the discussion is about the T20 International format. In the previous edition of the Twenty20 WC, which was held in 2024, Rashid Khan and Co. went on to play the semi-finals, proving many critics wrong. It was one of the most iconic moments of Afghan cricket since their emergence on the cricketing map.
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Can they do the same in 2026 as well? Denying any chances, the former India captain said that the cricket team has no credibility to qualify for the semi-finals. He questioned the age of their players as well. Srikkanth left disappointed, as there are almost the same group of players who are set to represent Afghanistan in this year’s tournament too.
Question over the cricketers’ age
“Afghanistan is dependent on the same old players. That is why they are not considered contenders. In Afghanistan, all of their ages start at minus 7, so they look young. I don’t think they have a chance,” he said on ‘Cheeky Cheeka.’
In the semi-finals of the 2024 World Cup, the team in Blue was brutally defeated by South Africa, scoring only 56 for 10, batting first. South Africa chased down the target with ease in only 8.5 overs and defeated the Rashid Khan-led side by 9 wickets.
This year, they will kick off their campaign on February 8 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. In group D, they are placed with South Africa, New Zealand, Canada and the United Arab Emirates. Their opening match will be against New Zealand.
Kris Srikkanth picked up England for the semi-finals
Krishnamachari Srikkanth believes that this year, South Africa again can qualify for the semifinals along with India, England, and Australia. Though he was a bit optimistic while choosing England for a semi-final spot because of their ‘very ordinary’ bowling line-up.
The ex-cricketer selected England mostly because of their batting strengths. For the bowling duties, the Three Lions are expected to be mostly dependent on Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid.
“England has a gun batting line-up. But their bowling—there are only two people, Archer and Rashid; the rest have no chance. Very, very ordinary bowling. Are they real contenders? Yes, I will still keep them in the top four. Australia, South Africa, England, and India. This is the top four. But can they go beyond that? We have to see,” Kris Srikkanth opined.
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