The departure of English players from the Indian Premier League just before the playoffs dealt a blow to their respective franchises’ prospects in the crucial phase of the tournament. Despite international commitments taking precedence for cricket boards worldwide, former England captain Michael Vaughan believes that participating in a series against Pakistan wouldn’t necessarily enhance the preparation for the T20 World Cup 2024.

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Vaughan Criticises England Cricket’s Decision

Vaughan criticized the decision of the England board to recall their players from the IPL, suggesting that individuals like Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, and Will Jacks would have gained more by continuing to play in India.

“I think you’re going to miss the trick by sending all their players home. You know, I think Will Jacks, Phil Salt, Jos Butler, in particular, playing in the IPL in the eliminators, pressure, crowd, expectation. I would argue that playing here is better preparation than playing a T20 game against Pakistan,” Vaughan said in Club Praire podcast.

“I’m all for international cricket, but now and again, this tournament in particular, it’s so exposed to pressure. These players are under a huge amount of pressure from fans, owners, and social media. It’s massive. I just felt particularly those two, and Butler, probably not as much, but I still think he could have stayed here,” Vaughan said.

Buttler, Jacks, and Salt, who were all part of IPL teams that reached the playoffs, were highlighted by Vaughan as players who could have significantly benefited from their IPL experience.

“But Will Jacks and Phil Salt, I think they’d have been better prepared staying here playing in the IPL, then going back to head and let’s play a game,” Vaughan concluded.

In the first T20I against Pakistan, England comfortably defeated their opponents by 23 runs, with Buttler’s standout performance earning him the Player of the Match award for his impressive knock of 84 runs. However, Jacks and Salt failed to make substantial contributions with the bat in the match.

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