"Event geared towards India.." Michael Vaughan takes a jibe at India as Afghanistan lose to South Africa in semi-final 1

Michael Vaughan slammed the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 organisers after Afghanistan’s loss against South Africa.

The first semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 was played between South Africa and Afghanistan at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on Wednesday night. South Africa registered a thumping nine-wicket win to make it into their first-ever men’s T20 World Cup final.

The second semi-final will be played between India and defending champions England at Providence Stadium in Guyana on Thursday morning. The outcome of this match will decide the second finalist of the tournament.

One thing that has been a big talking point at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is its scheduling. Former England captain Michael Vaughan also pointed out in his tweet following Afghanistan’s loss in the semi-final.

He slammed the organisers and said that the semi-final between India and England should have happened first – both teams had qualified before Afghanistan – because Afghanistan didn’t get the time to rest and prepare for the semi-final in Trinidad.

ICC T20 World Cup 2024: Michael Vaughan criticises ICC for organising schedule in favor of India

The pitch in Trinidad had uneven bounce and extra pace, making it challenging to bat for the Afghan batters. Afghanistan, who won the toss and elected to bat first, were bundled out for just 56 runs in 11.5 overs.

Vaughan even pointed out that Afghanistan didn’t get enough time to prepare according to the pitch, and that’s why their batters couldn’t adjust.

Afghanistan had won their last Super 8 game on Monday night and took the flight to Trinidad on Tuesday to play a game on Wednesday.

So Afghanistan qualify for the WC semi winning in St Vincent on Monday night .. 4 hr flight delay on Tues to Trinidad so no time to practice or get accustomed to a new venue .. utter lack of respect to players i am afraid .. #T20WorldCup2024

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 27, 2024

Michael Vaughan criticised the scheduling of the tournament and accused it of being done in favour of Team India and the Indian audience.

The 2005 Ashes-winning skipper tweeted after Afghanistan’s defeat, “Surely, this semi should have been the Guyana one… but because the whole tournament is geared towards India it’s so unfair on others.”

Surely this Semi should have been the Guyana one .. but because the whole event is geared towards India it’s so unfair on others .. #T20IWorldCup

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 27, 2024

It was pre-decided that should India reach the semi-finals, they will play the second semi-final in Guyana because it is scheduled at 8:00 PM IST, which is the prime time to get as many Indian viewers as possible for the broadcasters.

This defeat ended Afghanistan’s dream run in the tournament. They made it to the semi-final of a T20 World Cup for the first time, en route beating teams like New Zealand, Australia and Bangladesh.

Speaking of the game, Afghanistan registered their lowest T20 total ever, which South Africa chased down with nine wickets left in hand and inside nine overs. In the final, South Africa will face the winner of the India-England semi-final. The final is slate for Saturday at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown.

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