Pakistani journalist says England should have played IPL 2024 instead of playing T20 with Babar Azam’s Pakistan

Pakistani journalist Farid Khan apologises to Michael Vaughan for criticising England players' decision to join the national team to play T20 against Babar Azam's Pakistan instead of playing IPL, acknowledging Vaughan's point about better preparation.

Published1 Jun 2024, 02:06 PM IST

Cricket - Fourth T20 International - England v Pakistan - The Oval, London, Britain - May 30, 2024 England's Adil Rashid celebrates taking the wicket of Pakistan's Babar Azam Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs — Cricket - Fourth T20 International - England v Pakistan - The Oval, London, Britain - May 30, 2024 England’s Adil Rashid celebrates taking the wicket of Pakistan’s Babar Azam Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs(Reuters/Matthew Childs)

Pakistani did not like it when Michael Vaughan said England players should have focused on IPL 2024 instead of joining their national team in the Pakistan series. Pakistani journalist Farid Khan was among the people who slammed the former England captain over his remarks. However, Khan now seems to agree with Vaughan.

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England won the Pakistan T20I series 2-0 after two matches in the 4-match series were washed out. Jos Buttler, an integral part of Rajasthan Royals (RR), left the team for national duties. RR, led by Sanju Samson, lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Qualifier 2 and failed to reach the final even though the Pink Army had a fantastic start to the tournament.

Phil Salt made a massive impact as an opening batter with Sunil Narine for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). However, his absence was well-compensated by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who replaced Salt and delivered impressive performances in the playoffs.

Also Read: 'Whether Rohit Sharma will end...': Michael Vaughan adds fresh spice to MI 'drama' after Hardik Pandya booed

Will Jacks left Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Before that, he scored a 41-ball century against Gujarat Titans (GT), which eventually played a major role in helping RCB reach the playoffs.

"I think England missed a trick by sending all their players home. I think Will Jacks, Phil Salt, Jos Buttler in particular, playing in the IPL in the eliminations, pressure, crowd, expectation. I would argue that playing here is better preparation than playing a T20 game against Pakistan," Vaughan commented about the English players who had left the IPL.

Farid Khan’s apology

After Pakistan’s series loss to English, Khan apologised to Vaughan for slamming the former England cricketer earlier over his remarks. Khan’s comments seemed to have originated from deep despair over Pakistan’s humiliating defeat under Babar Azam’s captaincy.

"Hey, Michael. I'm sorry, I apologize! You were right. The IPL playoffs would have been better preparations for England instead of playing these T20 matches against Pakistan. We are just not worthy. I’m embarrassed,” Khan said in a video message.