'We don't steal' - Michael Vaughan after a Twitter user accused England of stealing South African players

In the wake of the heavy defeat to India in the just-concluded Test series, South Africa captain Faf du Plessis had rued the mass exodus of players due to Kolpak. While not many had given the Proteas even an outside chance of winning the series in India, not many would have expected the visitors to surrender meekly.

India were all over South Africa throughout the Test series. As the series progressed, the margin of defeats only increased. The visitors lost the first Test by 203 runs before losing the second by an innings and 137 runs. Their performance in the third Test was even worse as India routed them by an innings and 202 runs to sweep the three-match series.

South Africa never looked in contention to challenge India and the result is there for everyone to see. Following the defeat, Faf du Plessis admitted that the Kolpak deals have been hurting the nation. He said that it is sad for the country to not have the option to pick its best players and hoped that the situation will improve after Brexit.

Michael Vaughan tweets on SA cricket

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan has said that England are not responsible for South Africa’s current state in the game. Vaughan made the point clear when one individual blamed England of stealing South Africa’s players. It all started when Vaughan took to Twitter to say that South Africa’s former players need to do more for the game, tweeting, “This South African Test team is a real concern for the game .. The game needs South Africa to be strong .. Time for  @markb46 to take over .. also why wouldn’t you use @GraemeSmith49 & @jacqueskallis75 is some capacity .. #INDvsSA

This South African Test team is a real concern for the game .. The game needs South Africa to be strong .. Time for @markb46 to take over .. also why wouldn’t you use @GraemeSmith49 & @jacqueskallis75 is some capacity .. #INDvsSA

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 22, 2019

In response, one Twitter user wrote, “Here’s the 1st of many Englishmen saying the world needs a strong SA team, while they’re the ones stealing all our players though Kolpak deals. Assholes”

Here's the 1st of many Englishmen saying the world needs a strong SA team, while they're the ones stealing all our players though Kolpak deals. Assholes. https://t.co/OhmssbEnjk

— Deano (@The5BallOver) October 22, 2019

However, Vaughan made it clear that England do not urge the South African players to take the Kolpak deal but the players do so for a better career. “We don’t steal .. they come because they get a better chance to have a career .. That’s what needs to change on SA .. They shouldn’t be having to leave ..,” he tweeted.

We don’t steal .. they come because they get a better chance to have a career .. That’s what needs to change on SA .. They shouldn’t be having to leave .. https://t.co/gNQHJgU4Ku

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 22, 2019