‘All eyes on India’: Michael Vaughan reacts to ICC as South Africa beat Afghanistan in T20 WC 2024 semi final

Former England captain Michael Vaughan expressed his dissatisfaction with the arrangement of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finalist. His words came from behind Afghanistan suffered a heavy defeat by 9 wickets in South Africa in the first semi-final, which left cricket fans and pundits questioning the integrity of the tournament.

Afghanistan’s preparation time is questioned

Vaughan revealed that the second semi-final between India and England it should have been planned earlier to give Afghanistan more time to prepare. He pointed out that Afghanistan, who have a short turnaround time between their last Super 8 match against them Bangladesh and semi-final clashes, they were disadvantaged by insufficient practice time to acclimatise.

Concerns about the Trinidad pitch

Notably, the field in Trinidad, which showed uneven bounce, was looked at carefully after Afghanistan, who chose to bat first, were bowled out for only 56 runs. Vaughan stressed that the flight delay added to the challenges in Afghanistan, which leaves them with just one day to prepare for the semi-finals. This, according to Vaughan, undermines the competitive balance of the game.

Criticism of ICC editorial bias

Vaughan’s criticism extended to the scheduling of India’s semi-final against England, suggesting it showed bias towards India. He mentioned that the organization of this tournament has meant that India will play in Guyana if they advance to the semi-finals, which means that they are being treated well.

“Of course this Semi was supposed to be for Guyana, but because the whole event is going to India, it is not going well for others. #T20IWorldCup,” Vaughan expressed on X (formerly Twitter).

Of course this Semi was supposed to be for Guyana .. but because the whole event is towards India it is not right for some .. #T20IWorldCup

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 27, 2024

UPDATE: Dale Steyn, Graeme Smith and others react when South Africa reach the World Cup final for the first time

Concerns about soil preparation

Vaughan also questioned the ground preparation regarding the risk of rain approaching the second semi-final between India and England. He expressed concern about the inadequate coverage of the entire outdoor area, and suggested that extensive covers should have been used to prevent possible rain disturbances.

“Heavy rain is predicted. It’s monsoon season so I get it, then why so few covers for the entire stadium!!!!! Of course you get a lot of covers so we can cover the whole world!!!!!! Vaughan tweeted.

Heavy rain is predicted .. It’s the monsoon season so I get it .. why so few covers for the whole stadium !!!!! sure you get more covers to cover the whole world !!!!!!!! https://t.co/HE2O0TwqWe

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 27, 2024

UPDATE: Fans shocked as South Africa thrash Afghanistan in lowest T20 World Cup semi-final