Eden Gardens to host final as BCCI announces World T20 2016 venues

[Kalia_Test]

From my understanding of the format, there will be no QFs - only Semis. Total of 16 teams - 1)Top 8 ranked team automatically qualify 2)9th and 10th ranked teams ( Ban and Zim ) will join 6 Associate nations ( ongoing WC T20 Qualifiers will decide the 6 ) to form 8 teams 3) These 8 teams will be divided into groups of 4 with a league format - Top team from each group will join the Top 8 ranked teams to form a group of 10. 4) The 10 teams will be divided into groups of 5 and again a league format with top 2 in each group going to Semis. So, for the entire tourney, the number of matches will be 6 matches in each Associate plus 8,9 team group so 6*2 = 12 matches 10 matches in each group of 5 so 10*2=20 matches Semis = 2 matches Final = 1 match --------------------------------------------- TOTAL = 35 matches Given that it is T20, matches will be closer between teams with huge difference in ranking. Having said that, I am not sure if the first 12 matches will attract any crowd in stadiums. Among non-India matches, only Pak,Aus and maybe SA,WI will attract crowds, again against non-Associate teams. God forbid, if India does not make to Semis - then all phuss.

[Lannister]

^^ This way associates will get more exposure and enough match practice before entering the main event. Well thought format. I hope they maintain the same with 50 over world cup. 10 teams is enough in a tournament.

[mishra]

Given that it is T20, matches will be closer between teams with huge difference in ranking. Having said that, I am not sure if the first 12 matches will attract any crowd in stadiums. ..

Thats why i say, Play those games into smaller stadiums in smaller cities.

[Kalia_Test]

Thats why i say' date=' Play those games into smaller stadiums in smaller cities.[/quote'] I agree. Each group can be given one part of India like Associate group A can be fully South with matches in say Chennai, Bangalore, Kochi, Hyderabad, Vizag and one more ( Goa? Not sure of other active stadiums in South ). Do same for other groups. Travel time will be taken care of. India matches are anyway given special privileges like weekends,etc so they can be managed across India separately taking logistics into account. For Semis and Finals go with marquee grounds ( for now ). Eventually the grounds that have good attendance/facilities should be rewarded.