Former English captain Michael Vaughan has accused the International Cricket Council (ICC) of favoritism towards the Indian cricket team during the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Vaughan’s criticism stems from the ICC’s decision to schedule India’s matches at the prime 8 PM IST slot to maximize viewership and revenue from the Indian subcontinent.
The ICC’s scheduling strategy has raised eyebrows among cricket boards and enthusiasts, as it seemingly prioritizes India’s matches to boost the ICC’s engagement and revenue.
Michael Vaughan expressed his discontent with the ICC’s approach, highlighting how India was given preferential treatment by being placed in the second semi final despite finishing at the top of Group 1 points table.
Michael Vaughan Mocks ICC For Favouring Revenes Over Non-Biased Cricket
Vaughan believes that the first semifinal, which saw South Africa triumph over Afghanistan in a one-sided affair, should have been the one featuring India and England. South Africa dominated the match, bowling out Afghanistan for a meager 56 runs in 11.5 overs and comfortably chasing the target within 8.5 overs to reach their first-ever ICC final.
https://x.com/michaelvaughan/status/1806135791531286637?s=46
Vaughan took to social media platform X to voice his frustrations, stating, “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.”
The scheduling controversy isn’t the first of its kind, as India’s matches have consistently been slotted at the favorable 8 PM IST Slot to attract maximum viewership from their vast fan base. This practice has led to allegations of bias, suggesting that the ICC’s decisions are heavily influenced by the financial benefits derived from Indian audiences.
India and England’s upcoming semifinal clash at the Providence Stadium in Guyana has added another layer of complexity, as heavy rains are being forecasted. The absence of a reserved day for the match means that India, having higher points in the Super Eights stage, will advance to the final if the match is abandoned.
