World Cup 2023: In the aftermath of India’s resounding victory over New Zealand in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final, former Pakistani cricketer Sikandar Bakht stirred controversy by accusing Indian captain Rohit Sharma of ‘toss-fixing.’ However, cricketing legend Wasim Akram has vehemently dismissed these claims, labeling them baseless and unfounded.
Bakht’s Allegations and The Controversial Toss Incident
Bakht raised eyebrows with his allegations, suggesting that Sharma’s toss tactics, specifically throwing the coin far away from the opposition captain, could be a deliberate ploy to influence match outcomes. The former fast bowler, now 66, implied collusion between Sharma, the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Akram Sets the Record Straight
In an exclusive interview with A Sports, Akram refuted Bakht’s claims, emphasizing that there are no specified rules regarding where the coin should land during a toss. He clarified that the mat on the ground, often scrutinized in such incidents, exists for sponsorship reasons and not as a determining factor in the toss outcome. Expressing his embarrassment over the allegations, Wasim Akram asserted that such accusations can tarnish the spirit of the game.
History of Allegations Against Indian Team
Bakht’s accusations are not isolated incidents, as former Pakistani cricketer Hasan Raza previously alleged that the ICC provided specially designed balls favoring Indian bowlers in swinging conditions. These claims add to a history of controversial statements from Pakistani players against their Indian counterparts.
Cricketing Community Reacts to Unsubstantiated Claims
As the cricketing world watches the aftermath of India’s successful campaign in the World Cup, Akram’s dismissal of Bakht’s allegations adds a counterpoint to the ongoing debate. The focus now shifts to the broader impact of such claims on the relationship between the cricketing communities of India and Pakistan.
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