Cricket

“Playing IPL is better…”: Michael Vaughan criticizes ECB’s decision to call back England players for Pakistan series

May 27, 2024

Michael Vaughan, the ex-England skipper, made a surprising reversal of opinion over the ECB’s recent move to withdraw English cricketers from the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, citing preparations for the forthcoming T20 World Cup in June.

Initially, he stood by the decision amidst criticism from seasoned Indian players. However, during the second T20I encounter between England and Pakistan, he vehemently criticized the move, marking a stark shift from his previous stance.

Michael Vaughan criticizes ECB’s move

Prior to the commencement of the IPL 2024 playoffs last week, the ECB summoned their T20 World Cup-bound players back to their homeland for a final tune-up ahead of the upcoming ICC tournament. Consequently, key players such as Will Jacks from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Phil Salt from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Jos Buttler from Rajasthan Royals (RR) were notably absent during the pivotal knockout matches for their respective IPL teams.

During his appearance on the Club Praire Fire podcast, Vaughan suggested that England may have erred in recalling the trio mentioned earlier. He argued that the intense atmosphere of the IPL playoffs would have offered superior preparation for the World Cup compared to participating in the series against Pakistan, especially considering the opening game was marred by rain.

“I think you’re going to miss the trick by sending all their players home. You know, I think Will Jacks, Phil Salt, Jos Butler, in particular, playing in the IPL in the eliminators, pressure, crowd, expectation. I would argue that playing here is better preparation than playing a T20 game against Pakistan,” he said on Club Praire Fire podcast.

Also READ: Shoaib Malik lambasts Pakistan after loss against England in the 2nd T20I

England in good control ahead of T20 World Cup 2024

Having been pulled out of IPL 2024, England players are now actively participating in the ongoing four-match T20I series against Pakistan. Unfortunately, the first T20I was abandoned due to rain. However, England secured a comfortable 23-run victory in the second match. With this momentum, England will aim to clinch the series and sustain their form heading into the T20 World Cup 2024.