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Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan is back among news for his comments after England’s win over Pakistan in the second T20I in Edgbaston. Vaughan, who wears emotions on his sleeves and often expresses himself while taking to social media, recently has hit back at a Pakistani journalist after he was asked if he would apologize if Pakistan wins the T20 World Cup 2024.
The England cricket team is currently hosting Pakistan in a four-match T20I series in preparation for T20 World Cup 2024. During an interaction with cricket experts, including Adam Gilchrist, the former England cricketer criticised England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) move to withdraw England players from the IPL 2024 midway through the tournament.
Speaking on the Grand Prairie Fire podcast, although Vaughan added that the IPL 2024 playoffs would have provided a better preparation for the T20 World Cup than the ongoing Pakistan T20I series. “I think you’re going to miss the trick by sending all their players home. You know, I think Will Jacks, Phil Salt, Jos Buttler,, 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.
However, these comments from the 49-year-old did not sit well among the Pakistani fans and one of the journalists, questioned Vaughan if he would apologize if Pakistan wins the marquee tournament, set to be played in the USA and West Indies in June. “Michael Vaughan literally disrespecting the Pakistan bowlers with his comments on the IPL. This is heartbreaking. Hey, @MichaelVaughan! Will you apologize to Pakistan fans if we win the World Cup? And you need an IPL contract or what?”
The conversation did not end here as the former England cricketer shut down the journalist with a one word reply “No”, igniting the debate further.
Speaking of the four-match T20I series between England and Pakistan, however, the first match was abandoned without toss, the second T20I saw the hosts register a 23-run win and take a 1-0 lead in the series. The Jos Buttler-led side will next take on Pakistan in the third T20I at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Tuesday, May 28 at 11:00 pm IST.
