Former England captain Michael Vaughan has accused the International Cricket Council (ICC) of favouring the Indian team during the recently concluded 2024 T20 World Cup. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has slammed Michael Vaughan, questioning his authority to comment on the scheduling of the tournament.

Afghanistan suffered a delay in their flight to Trinidad for their T20 World Cup semi-final match against South Africa. The Afghan players only had a few hours to practice and acclimatise to the conditions. It is worth mentioning that Afghanistan reached the semi-finals for the first time in an ICC tournament.

Afghanistan cricket team had a disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup semi-final match against South Africa in Trinidad. The Rashid Khan-led team was bowled out for just 56 runs in the knockout match. Michael Vaughan has criticised the organisers for scheduling the India-centric 2024 T20 World Cup.

“So Afghanistan qualified for the World Cup semi-final, winning in St Vincent on Monday night… there was a 4 hour flight delay on Tuesday to Trinidad so no time to practice or get used to a new place… a total lack of respect for the players I’m afraid,” Vaughan tweeted.

“Surely this semi-final should have been Guyana’s… but with the whole event being geared towards India, it’s very unfair to the others… #T20IWorldCup.”

Michael Vaughan can say whatever he wants – Ravi Shastri

Speaking to Times Now on Friday, Ravi Shastri urged Michael Vaughan to focus on the England team’s performance in the T20 World Cup. Unlike Vaughan, who has never lifted a trophy, Shastri stressed that India is used to winning trophies.

“Michael can say whatever he wants. Nobody in India cares. Let him take care of the England team first. He should give advice on what happened to the England team in the semi-final. India is used to lifting trophies. I know England have won twice, but India have won four times. I don’t think Michael has ever lifted a trophies. So think twice. He is a colleague of mine, but that is my answer,” Shastri said.

Before the start of the T20 World Cup, the ICC announced that India would play its semi-final in Guyana, irrespective of its position in the Super Eight table. The ICC decided to cater to prime-time viewers in India. It is noteworthy that the semi-final between India and England did not have a reserve day in Guyana.

India’s name will be engraved on it – Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri has dismissed the controversy over Suryakumar Yadav’s catch in the final over of the T20 World Cup against South Africa, calling it “sour grapes”. The former Indian player stated that India’s name will be etched in the record books in five years.

“Sour grapes. And go check the record books in five years. India’s name will be etched in them,” Shastri added.

On June 29, India recorded a thrilling seven-run win over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final in Barbados. South Africa needed 16 runs to win in the last over. David Miller hit Hardik Pandya’s first ball towards long-on field. Suryakumar Yadav took a stunning catch at the boundary after a juggling act.

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