McClenaghan Slams Pakistani Journalist for Accusing New Zealand of Prioritizing Money

Former New Zealand and Mumbai Indians fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan has strongly refuted accusations from a Pakistani journalist that the New Zealand team prioritized money over national duty by choosing to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) instead of touring Pakistan.

The accusations arose after New Zealand's disappointing performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup, where they suffered back-to-back losses against Afghanistan and hosts West Indies, putting them on the brink of elimination. Pakistani journalist Imran Siddiqui took to social media to criticize New Zealand's decision to send a weakened team to Pakistan, claiming that it had hindered their preparations for the World Cup.

McClenaghan, known for his outspoken nature, responded with a scathing reply, highlighting Pakistan's own poor form in the tournament. He pointed out that Pakistan had lost to New Zealand's "C side," as well as Ireland and the USA, in recent matches.

"Very poor take. You (Pakistan) lost games to our C side, Ireland, and the USA," McClenaghan tweeted.

Pakistan has indeed struggled in the T20 World Cup, losing to both the USA and India. In the lead-up to the tournament, they had drawn a T20I series against a New Zealand side without their key players. McClenaghan emphasized this fact, suggesting that Pakistan's own lack of preparation was a more significant factor in their poor performance.

The former Kiwi pacer also agreed with a comment that Sherfane Rutherford, who has not played a single game for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024, has performed well for the West Indies in the World Cup. This further supports the argument that IPL participation is not necessarily detrimental to international performance.

Several New Zealand stars, including Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Glenn Phillips, and captain Kane Williamson, had played in IPL 2024. However, McClenaghan's response suggests that their absence from the Pakistan tour was not a major factor in New Zealand's struggles in the World Cup.

The Black Caps have been disappointing in the tournament, failing to chase down 150 against West Indies and getting bowled out for 75 by Afghanistan. They are now virtually out of contention with two games still to play.

Tags: #T20WorldCup, #MitchellMcClenaghan, #PakistanCricket, #NewZealandCricket, #IPL