T20 Cricket World Cup 2009

The 2007 twenty20 world cup which was held in South Africa provided too much entertainment and excitement for the spectators. India came as surprise winner in the inaugural twenty20. They not only manage to win the world cup but also won hearts of millions of fan in India.

The twenty20 World Cup new Schedule, Teams and Groups has been announced for 2009 twenty20 world cup which will be played in England. In 2009 twenty20 world cup the total 27 number of matches will be played which is same as 2007 world cup but the period is longer than the previous edition.

2009 twenty20 world cup will be played from 5^th of June to 21^st June 2009. Opening game will be played between host England and the twenty20 world qualifier runners-up Ireland.

During meeting on 20^th August 2008 Zimbabwe Cricket board confirmed that they will not take part in twenty20 World Cup 2009. That means Scotland which are placed 3^rd during twenty20 world qualifier will now play the twenty20 world cup.

Scotland will face New Zealand and South Africa in Group D, while Ireland will move up to take Zimbabwe's place in Group A. The Irish, who had initially been in Group B with England, will face India and Bangladesh - while England are now grouped with Pakistan and Netherlands.

Total 12 teams India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Australia, South Africa, West Indies, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Ireland and Netherland will participate in 2009 twenty20 cup.

The ICC has also announced top two ranked teams in each group and given them a number 1 and 2 respectively. They will retain this number irrespective of whether they finish first or second in the group.

For example if Bangladesh top ranked Group A and India finished second in the same group; India will still remain as A1 and Bangladesh will remain as A2 in Super Eights stages. If Zimbabwe knockout Bangladesh in Group A then Zimbabwe will become A2.

Here are the four group’s scenarios:

Group A – India (A1), Bangladesh (A2) and Ireland
Group B – Pakistan (B1), England (B2) and Netherlands
Group C – Australia (C1), Sri Lanka (C2) and West Indies
Group D – New Zealand (D1), South Africa (D2) and Scotland

Super Eight Groups

Group E –A1, B2, C1 and D2
Group F – A2, B1, C2, and D1