Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan has accused the International Cricket Council (ICC) of bias towards the Indian team in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.
Vaughan made these comments after Afghanistan’s cricket team secured a spot in the World Cup 2024 semi-finals with a victory in St. Vincent on Monday night. However, the team faced a tough schedule with a four-hour flight to Trinidad on Tuesday, leaving them no time to practice or adjust to the new venue. Vaughan expressed frustration, saying this showed a lack of respect for the Afghan players.
He stressed the need for fair treatment, arguing that Afghanistan should have been given at least one day to prepare for their semi-final match against South Africa. Due to the rushed schedule, the Afghan team needed to prepare, leading to their decisive defeat by South Africa, who advanced to the T20 World Cup final for the first time.
Michael Vaughan suggested that the semi-final could have been better scheduled in Guyana to give the Afghan team enough preparation time. He claimed the event seemed designed to benefit the Indian team, calling the situation unfair to other participating nations.
“Surely, this semi-final should have been in Guyana,” Vaughan remarked. “But because the whole event is geared towards India, it’s so unfair on others.”
The controversy has sparked a broader debate about the scheduling and organization of international cricket tournaments. Fans and experts are discussing the perceived favoritism and logistical challenges teams face. Vaughan’s remarks have added to the ongoing discourse about ensuring fair play and equal treatment for all teams in major cricket events.
As the T20 World Cup 2024 continues, the ICC has yet to respond to Vaughan’s allegations. The situation underscores the importance of transparent and unbiased management in international sports, ensuring all teams compete on a level playing field.
