T20 World Cup action hits fever pitch, on and off the oval, as India and Sri Lanka co-host the global showpiece from 7 February to 8 March.

Politics has once again interfered with another ICC event. Controversy off the field has seen Bangladesh rule themselves out due to safety concerns in India, while Pakistan have been undecided over whether they will play their neighbouring rivals.

Despite the outside noise, a record 20 teams will feature in the T20 World Cup in four groups, with the tournament consisting of 55 matches across eight venues in India and Sri Lanka.

The top two teams will advance to the Super 8 stage, where teams will play each other in one of two groups. The top two teams from those groups will advance to the semi-finals, with the final to be held in either Ahmedabad or Colombo (depending on Pakistan's run).

Clear favourites for the T20 World Cup are co-hosts India, who are aiming to become the first nation to defend the title. While no team has ever won the tournament on home soil, India have every advantage in their favour.

They will be backed by the passionate support of their devoted fans. England and Australia remain strong contenders, while potential surprise performances could come from the likes of West Indies, New Zealand and Pakistan.

However, all eyes will be on 2024 finalists, the Proteas, who have been pegged as the dark horses heading into the World Cup.

Aiden Markram's charges fell seven runs short of a maiden World Cup title in the final against India in Barbados. Can they go one better?

The Proteas are in group D alongside the Black Caps, Afghanistan and minnows Canada and the United Arab Emirates.

The South Africans have a wealth of experience to draw on with David Miller, Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj in their ranks, as well as exciting talent in Dewald Brevis, Ryan Rickelton and George Linde, who bring their fearless demeanours to boost the Proteas' chances.

But T20s are wildly unpredictable by nature, with often little more than chance going a team's way.

The action over the next four weeks is expected to be faster, high-scoring and probably the most senseless cricket ever. It's sure to be a treat for cricket fans!

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Design and production: Lynn Butler, Nicolette Lategan, Mihle Mdashe
Words: Lynn Butler
News24 Sport Editor: Lloyd Burnard

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