Playing IPL is better preparation than playing a T20 game against Pakistan: Michael Vaughan

Former England Captain Michael Vaughan has said that England players should have stayed in India for IPL instead of leaving for playing in a series vs Pakistan.

Players like Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Reece Topley, Will Jacks and others left their respective franchises earlier this month as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) wanted all the players back in time.

The decision wasn’t welcomed by many and Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar even urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take strict action against players who left IPL during mid-season, however, Vaughan defended it that time only to take U Turn now.

“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,” Vaughan said while talking on Club Praire Fire podcast.

He then stated that he is a fan of international cricket but two or three English players should’ve continued their journey in the IPL which would’ve been better for them.

“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,” he added.

“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.”

England defeated Pakistan in the second T20I in Birmingham by 23 runs as the Babar Azam-led unit was all out for 160 runs while chasing 184-run target.