"Nobody cares"- Ravi Shastri lashes out at Michael Vaughan's allegations on India-Centric T20 World Cup schedule

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

Afghanistan faced a flight delay while traveling to Trinidad for their T20 World Cup semifinal match against South Africa. The Afghanistan players had only a few hours to practice and acclimate to the conditions. It is worth mentioning that Afghanistan reached the semifinals for the first time in an ICC tournament.

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

"So Afghanistan qualified 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," tweeted Vaughan.

“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 Can Say What 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 never lifted a cup, Shastri emphasized that India is used to winning trophies.

“Michael can say what he wants. Nobody in India cares. Let him sort out the England team first. He should give advice on what happened to the England team in the semifinal. India are used to lifting Cups. I know England have won twice, but India have won four times. I don't think Michael's lifted a Cup ever. So think twice. He is a colleague of mine, but that's my answer to him,” Shastri said.

Before the start of the T20 World Cup, the ICC announced that India would play their semi-final in Guyana, regardless of their Super Eight table position. The ICC decided to cater to prime-time viewership in India. Notably, the semi-final between India and England did not have a reserve day in Guyana.

The Name India Will Be Engraved On It - Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri 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 all-rounder stated that India's name will be engraved in the record books in five years.

“Sour grapes. And go and check the record books after five years. The name India will be engraved on it,” Shastri added.

India secured a thrilling seven-run win over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final in Barbados on June 29. South Africa needed 16 runs to win during the last over. David Miller hit the first ball from Hardik Pandya towards long-off. Suryakumar Yadav managed a stunning catch on the boundary after a juggling act.

Also read: "This is for you..." - Rohit Sharma dedicates T20 World Cup 2024 triumph to...