Playing IPL would have been better than playing against Pakistan, say Michael Vaughan

Michael Vaughan suggests that participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs could have been more beneficial for certain England cricketers compared to playing T20 matches against Pakistan.

The departure of England star cricketers from their respective IPL franchises just before the playoffs sparked significant backlash, with critics like Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan expressing their displeasure.

He believes that the intense atmosphere of IPL playoffs, with high pressure, enthusiastic crowds, and elevated expectations, would have provided valuable preparation, especially for players like Will Jacks, Phil Salt, and Josh Butler.

"I think you’re going to miss the trick by sending all their players home. You know, I think Will Jacks, Phil Salt, Josh 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," he said.

Vaughan clarifies that he doesn't prioritize franchise cricket over representing one's country but rather emphasizes the unique pressure that IPL playoffs offer as ideal preparation for major tournaments like the T20 World Cup.

"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. 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," he added.

However, earlier this week, Vaughan had defended England players who left the IPL midway to participate in the T20I series against Pakistan. He stressed the significance of representing one's country and justified the players' decision to prioritize national duties over IPL commitments.

"If you are going back to represent your country, which England players have done, I think that's fair enough. They are playing a series against Pakistan. The England players wouldn't have gone back if it wasn't for the Pakistan series," Vaughan had said.