'T20 World Cup is Purely Set up For India': Michael Vaughan Slams ICC, Adam Gilchrist Claims Cricket 'Compromised'

India have qualified for their third ever T20 World Cup final. (AP Photo)

Michael Vaughan continues to be criticial of the 2024 T20 World Cup scheduling, reiterating that it has been designed to favour India. Vaughan argues that unlike other participants, the Rohit Sharma-led side played all their games in the morning and they knew well in advance if they qualify for the semis, it will be in Guyana no matter where they finish on the points table.

The former England captain says he agrees that the timings and fixtures were kept such as to cater to the Indian market which is a major revenue source but a global tournament should be ‘fairer to everybody’.

“It’s their (India’s) tournament isn’t it? Literally, it’s their tournament,” Vaughan said on Club Praire Fire podcast. “They get to play whenever they want. They get to know exactly where their semifinal will be. They play every single game in the morning so people can watch them at night in India.”

“I get that money is a big play in the world of cricket. And I get that in bilateral series but you would think that when you get to a World Cup, ICC should be a little fairer to everybody. And it shouldn’t just be India just because they bring a few quid in. Like I said, I completely get it in bilaterals but when you get to a World Cup, any kind of sympathy or any kind of sway towards one team. This tournament is purely set up for India as simple as that,” he added.

The 2024 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by USA and the West Indies, saw Rohit and Co play all their matches in the morning since it coincided with the prime time in India.

And since the second semi-final in Guyana was a morning fixture as well, it was also allotted to India should they qualify. The first semi-final was a night game.

Adam Gilchrist, who was also part of the conversation, agreed with Vaughan and added that even though India have been the most consistent team of the competition, the game has been compromised to an extent.

“There are a lot of passionate Indian fans that are very much aware of that as well. They are in agreement that it (cricket) has compromised to an extent and let’s say it again – India have been the best team, they are the most consistent team throughout. Maybe, South Africa might claim that they have been too. India should win it and good on them if they do but you’re right. There are a lot of Indian supporters who are not naive and blind to that situation,” Gilchrist said.

Stay updated with the latest from T20 World Cup 2024. Explore T20 World Cup Match Today. Check Updated list of Highest-run getters and Highest Wicket-Takers In T20 World Cup 2024. Check T20 World Cup 2024 Points Table and players with the Most Sixes, Most Fours , Most Fifties And Most HundredsIn T20 World Cup 2024.