(Credit Reuters)
Former India cricketer Sourav Ganguly responded to Michael Vaughan’s remarks regarding ICC favoritism towards India in the T20 World Cup 2024. Ganguly expressed confusion over Vaughan’s comments, particularly questioning how staging matches at 8 PM IST could influence match outcomes.
India’s national cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, has displayed outstanding form throughout the T20 World Cup 2024, remaining undefeated and securing a spot in the final. Ganguly highlighted India’s exceptional performance with both bat and ball, attributing their success to a collective effort where each player has contributed significantly.
Michael Vaughan had previously suggested that the ICC favored India by scheduling matches in spin-friendly conditions, notably in the semi-final against England at Guyana and morning game timings. Ganguly, addressing Vaughan’s remarks while acknowledging their friendship, emphasized that broadcasting schedules do not determine match outcomes; rather, it’s the team’s performance on the field that counts.
“Michael Vaughan is a very dear friend of mine. I don’t know how ICC helps India win cricket matches by keeping the broadcast at 8 pm IST in the evening. I don’t know how broadcasting wins you cricket matches.
“You still have to play in the middle and win. Secondly, I don’t know why Guyana is thought to be a venue for winning when they have gone around and won everywhere.”
Sourav Ganguly asserted that India’s influence in world cricket extends across performance, broadcast appeal, and financial contributions. Expanding on Michael Vaughan’s remarks, Ganguly emphasized India’s dominance across all facets of the sport. He likened the situation to owning an 80% stake in a company, where the majority owner naturally expects greater dividends.
“Yes, India is a dominant force in world cricket, by its performance, by its broadcast, and by the money it brings to the table. You know if you own 80 percent of a company’s shares, you will get more dividends and profits than others. It’s the rule of life. India is the same.”
India secured a commanding 68-run victory over England in the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final. Batting first, they were led by skipper Rohit Sharma’s impressive 57 runs. Following his performance, Indian spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel excelled, each taking three wickets to dismiss England for 103 runs. India’s emphatic win sets up a final showdown against South Africa on Saturday, June 29th, at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.
