'Will you pay his IPL salary?' - Fans slam Michael Vaughan after he advises Tom Banton to skip IPL

Former England captain Michael Vaughan, who is known for his bold comments, recently created a stir on social media after advising his compatriot and England’s latest batting sensation Tom Banton to skip the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Banton has further enhanced his reputation by impressing in the ongoing season of the Big Bash League (BBL).

The highly-rated batsman impressed once again with his hard-hitting abilities. In seven games for Brisbane Heat, he slammed three half-centuries including a 16-ball fifty. All eyes are now on his upcoming stint in the IPL where he will represent Kolkata Knight Riders after the two-time champions secured his services for INR 1 crore.

However, Michael Vaughan recently said that instead of playing in the IPL, Banton should focus on playing county cricket in order to make a claim for England’s Test team. Vaughan said that with England yet to find a reliable number six for the Test side, Banton should fancy his chances by representing Somerset instead of the Knight Riders.

“If I were in charge I would be on the phone this week to Tom Banton telling him to give up his IPL deal and play the first few weeks of the county season for Somerset because there is a slot available at No 6 in the Test side,” Vaughan wrote in a column for Telegraph Sport.

“I have seen enough of Banton to know he is a superstar in the making. I’m not sure a stint in the IPL right now, when he might not get a lot of game time, is what he needs at this stage of his career,” he added.

Michael Vaughan faces heat for his comments on Tom Banton

With the way Banton performed in the BBL, there is absolutely no denying that the fans are desperate to see him in the IPL. And so when Michael Vaughan advised Banton to skip the tournament this year, his comment did not go down well with most of the fans. Unsurprisingly, they did not waste any time in slamming him for his comments.

Here are some of the reactions: 

Alright Vaughny why don't you pay his KKR salary out of your own pocket then?

— Ravlar (@Ravlar1) January 21, 2020

Sometimes i feel @MichaelVaughan u are not from the same planet …ur statement would have only made sense if he was injury prone…i hope he is not

— Emamul Pervez (@cric_emam) January 21, 2020

Clown he will play in the ipl

— louie (@Louiedavies211) January 21, 2020

Making Controversial Statements For Attention Again. Why Should He Skip The IPL When He Has A Chance To Contest WT20 Selection In October?

— Chatil Panditasekara (@ChatilPandi) January 21, 2020

With a world cup coming up Banton has every right to play in the IPL, would you turn that money down at his age? No I didn't think so..

— Jacob Wadsworth (@JacobWadsworth6) January 21, 2020

In the team, while another of Vaughan's sub-Piers-Morgan-man-you-can't-gag hare-brained schemes goes up in smoke. Ask Banton to give up his potentially career-making payday? Berk.

— David Lea (@DavidLeaWrath) January 22, 2020

Banton gets an unreal learning experience in India, no way should he miss out on such a wonderful opportunity so early in his career. Few weeks on Indian pitches will be great for his development

— Phil Martin (@sportsthematter) January 21, 2020

No one:

Michael Vaughan: Tom Banton for tests!!1!!1!!!!!1!!!!!

— Dan Kingdom (@DanKingdom96) January 21, 2020

Peak Vaughan, this. Nevermind the 22-year-old who looks a generational talent and just scored 135* at 6 in PE, let’s fast-track Banton for absolutely no reason.

Bloke’s living on a different planet. https://t.co/EumE0nrNZ9

— Daniel (@DannySenior) January 22, 2020

England need Tom Banton to smash T20 white balls in readiness for the World T20.
England also need to keep Pope at 6 all summer and treat him like the future star he is.
Vaughan's suggestions make absolutely no sense whatsoever. https://t.co/rffyINqbSH

— CricketBadger (@cricket_badger) January 22, 2020