While the whole world is busy appreciating the Pakistan cricket team for its splendid performance in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2017, former Pakistan opener Aamer Sohail has indirectly accused the men in green of fixing matches in the tournament.
Pakistan lost their opening match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 to arch-rivals India by a whopping margin of 124 runs. Since then, the unpredictable Pakistan team has scripted a remarkable turnaround and have defeated teams like South Africa, Sri Lanka and England to reach the finals of the ICC event.
Speaking on a Pakistani news channel ahead of the big finale between India and Pakistan, the 50-year old former cricketer openly levelled allegations against Pakistan skipper – Sarfraz Ahmed. He also warned Sarfraz and the team to not rejoice much about their achievement as he knows that there are some external factors that have helped them to reach this far in the coveted tournament.
Sohail said: “Sarfraz needs to be told that you have not done anything great. Someone has helped you win the game. There is no reason for you (Sarfraz) to be so happy. We all know what happens behind the scenes. Don’t wish to get into the details on who won them the games. If asked, I will say that the prayers of the fans and God has won them the games. They have been brought to the final due to external factors and not based on on-field performance. The boys now need to be level-headed and focus on playing good cricket.”
After beating South Africa and Sri Lanka in the preliminary stages, Pakistan pulled off a major upset against the title favourites England in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy. The men in green registered an easy eight-wicket victory over the hosts with more than 12 overs to spare in the crucial encounter.
Pakistan will now face fierce rivals India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final to be played on Sunday at The Oval.
Pakistan are currently placed at number eight spot in the ICC ODI team rankings. However, Sohail has now taken a U-turn over his comments and believes his comments have been blown out of proportion for no reason.
