Mitchell McClenaghan Rebuts Pakistani Journalist's Criticism Over IPL Participation

Former New Zealand cricketer Mitchell McClenaghan has responded to a Pakistani journalist's claim that New Zealand's participation in the IPL 2024 led to their defeat against the West Indies in the T20 World Cup 2024. The journalist suggested that New Zealand players prioritised the IPL over national duty, impacting their performance.

The journalist stated on X (formerly Twitter), "This is What Happens when you Prefer Money over National Duty. New Zealand Had a great Chance to prepare themselves for World Cup 2024 on Pakistan Tour but their Main Players Choose IPL and now they are out of the World Cup."

New Zealand had travelled to Pakistan for a five-match T20I series before the T20 World Cup 2024. However, key players like Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Trent Boult, Mitchell Santner, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, and Lockie Ferguson chose to play in the IPL. Tim Southee was also rested.

Pakistan struggled against New Zealand's second-string squad, managing a 2-2 draw in the series. Subsequently, Pakistan lost to Ireland, England, and in their T20 World Cup 2024 opener against the USA.

Mitchell McClenaghan responded to the journalist's comments by saying, "Very poor take. You lost games to our C side, Ireland and the USA."

Very poor take.

You lost games to our C side, Ireland and the USA https://t.co/jfHQl2b0Xa

— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) June 13, 2024

Pakistan have won just one of their three group stage matches in the T20 World Cup 2024 and face a strong possibility of being eliminated in the first round. If the USA beats Ireland in their last Group A game or if the match is washed out due to rain, they will qualify for the Super 8 ahead of Pakistan.

The top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the Super 8 round. India have already secured their place in the Super 8 after defeating the USA on Wednesday.

The West Indies became the first team to qualify for the Super 8 after beating New Zealand on Thursday. New Zealand are currently at the bottom of their group after two defeats in two games. Afghanistan, who are second in their group, need to win one of their remaining two games to move to the next stage. Afghanistan will face PNG on Friday and West Indies on June 18.