Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh shut down baseless claims by England's Michael Vaughan that India was given preferential treatment by the International Cricket Council (ICC) during the T20 World Cup 2024.
On Thursday, India defeated England by 68 runs to reach the final of the T20 world event.
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Earlier, during the first semifinal match between South Africa and Afghanistan, Vaughan claimed that ICC had favoured India by scheduling their match at Guyana instead of Trinidad.
"Surely this Semi should have been the Guyana one .. but because the whole event is geared towards India it’s so unfair on others," Vaughan posted on X (formerly twitter) on Thursday during the Afghanistan-South Africa match.
He alleged that India had an advantage because they were informed in advance that they would be playing their semi-final in Guyana, regardless of whether they finished first or second in their Super 8 group.
How did Harbhajan Singh respond to Michael Vaughan's India comments?
Following India's 68-run win against England in the second semi-final at the Providence Stadium in Guyana, on June 27, Vaughan suggested in a post on X, that England would have beaten Afghanistan in the first semifinal had they finished first in their Super 8 group.
However, he ended the post saying "Guyana has been a lovely venue pick for India" hinting again that India have been given preferential treatment as Guyana is a spin-friendly venue and India therefore, had all the advantages, due to their quality spin bowling attack with the likes of Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel.
If England had beaten SA they would have got the Trinidad semi and I believe they would have won that game .. So no complaints they haven’t been good enough .. But Guyana has been a lovely venue pick for India 👍👍 https://t.co/QeN8PKrTsK
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 27, 2024
Indeed, the spin duo of Kuldeep and Axar were instrumental in dismantling England's batters for 103 runs in the chase, as they picked up 3 wickets each. However, for Vaughan to suggest that India were favoured by ICC, was not taken kindly by Indian fans and former players including Harbhajan Singh.
"What makes u think Guyana was a good venue for India?" Harbhjan replied.
"Both Teams played on the same venue . England won the toss that was an advantage . Stop being silly . England was outplayed by India in all departments."
What makes u think Guyana was a good venue for India ? Both Teams played on the same venue . England won the toss that was an advantage . Stop being silly . England was outplayed by India in all departments. Accept the fact and Move on and keep ur rubbish with urself. Talk logic… https://t.co/2osEFYJeFC
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 27, 2024
England were outplayed by India in all departments. While India were able to pile up runs in the first innings, their opponents were clueless against India's spinners in the second innings.
India will next play the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29, 2024.
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