BIRMINGHAM: Taking part in the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs could be better for some English cricketers than playing a T20 match against Pakistan, Michael Vaughan has suggested.
The withdrawal of England cricket stars from their respective IPL franchises ahead of the play-offs has sparked a huge backlash, with critics including Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan voicing their displeasure.
With the intense atmosphere of the IPL playoffs, high pressure, enthusiastic spectators and high expectations, he believes it will provide valuable training, especially for players like Will Jack, Phil Dooz and Josh Buttler.
“I think you’re missing a trick by sending all the players home. You know, Will Jacks, Phil Dooz, Josh Buttler, especially in the IPL, I play in the eliminators, the pressure, the crowd, the anticipation. It’s good. playing here from the T20 game against Pakistan will admit that it is a preparation,” he said.
Vaughan insists he is not interested in franchise cricket to represent his country, with the unique pressure the IPL playoffs offer as ideal preparation for major tournaments such as the T20 World Cup.
These players are under a lot of pressure from fans, owners and social media. It’s big. I just feel special, those two and Butler, maybe not,” but still.. .I think he can stay here, let’s play the game.
However, earlier this week, Vaughan defended the England players being pulled out of the IPL for the T20I series against Pakistan. Emphasizing the importance of representing the country, he stressed the players’ decision to prioritize national duties over IPL commitments.
“If you want to represent the country what the England players have done, I think it’s very fair. They played a bunch of games against Pakistan. If it wasn’t for the Pakistan series, the England players wouldn’t have. come back,” Vaughan said.
