‘The entire event is focused on India’: Michael Vaughan takes a dig at ICC as South Africa crush Afghanistan in 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has expressed its dissatisfaction with the planning of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finals. His comments came in response to Afghanistan’s heavy 9-wicket loss against South Africa in the first semi-final, with fans and cricket pundits alike questioning the fairness of the tournament’s logistics.

Afghanistan’s preparation time was questioned

Vaughan pointed out that the second semi-final between India and England should have been planned earlier to give Afghanistan more time to prepare. He argued that Afghanistan, which had a short turnaround time between their last Super 8 match against Bangladesh and the semi-final were disadvantaged due to insufficient practice time to get used to the conditions.

Concerns about the field in Trinidad

In particular, Trinidad’s pitch, which bounced unevenly, came under scrutiny after Afghanistan, who had opted to bat first, were dismissed for just 56 runs. Vaughan highlighted that a flight delay compounded Afghanistan’s challenges, leaving them with just a day to prepare for the semi-finals. This, according to Vaughan, undermined the competitive balance of the match.

Criticism of ICC’s scheduling bias

Vaughan’s criticism extended to the scheduling of India’s semi-final against England, suggesting that it reflected a bias against India. He noted that India would play in Guyana if they progressed to the semi-finals under the pre-arranged schedule of the tournament, implying preferential treatment.

“This Semi should definitely have been Guyana’s, but because the whole event is India-centric it is so unfair to others. #T20IWorldCup,” Vaughan expressed this on X (formerly Twitter).

This Semi should definitely have been the one from Guyana. But because the entire event is India-centric, it is so unfair to others. #T20IWorld Cup

—Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 27, 2024

Also READ: Dale Steyn, Graeme Smith and others react as South Africa reach their first ever World Cup final

Concerns about soil preparation

Vaughan also questioned the ground preparation in the context of the rain threat that loomed during the second semi-final between India and England. He expressed concern about the inadequate coverage of the entire outfield, and suggested that more extensive coverages should have been used to protect against potential rain disruptions.

“There’s such a huge amount of rain forecast. It’s monsoon season so I get it, so why so little coverage for the entire outfield!!!!! I’m sure you guys will get more coverage so we can cover the entire field!!!! !!” Vaughan tweeted.

So much rain is forecast.. It’s monsoon season so I get it.. so why so little coverage for the entire outfield!!!!! you will definitely get more covers so we cover the whole ground!!!!!!!! https://t.co/HE2O0TwqWe

—Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 27, 2024

READ ALSO: Fans in shock as South Africa wraps up Afghanistan for lowest ever total in T20 World Cup semi-final