Former Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq said there was no doubt that India had intentionally lost the game against England at the ICC World Cup last year. The match has been under review again since excerpts from Ben Stoke’s latest book ‘On Fire,’ on the game came to light last week. Stokes, in his book, analyzed all of England’s 2019 World Cup games. While addressing the match against India, the all-rounder wrote that “there was little or no intent of Dhoni” in the game and described the partnership between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as “mystifying.”
Former Pakistani bowler Sikander Bakht, on Twitter, claimed that Stokes had written in his book that India had intentionally lost to England to remove Pakistan from the World Cup. But despite Stokes’ rejection of social media claims, calling the suggestions “clickbait,” Razzaq believes that India has not made full use of their potential in the game.
Speaking at the Pakistan news channel ARY Sports on Saturday, Razzaq said, “We were watching the match, we all felt the same thing. I also think the ICC is supposed to put a fine on this. If any team intentionally loses a game to make sure that the team does not qualify, the team should be fined for this. If a quality bowler doesn’t try to bowl according to its standards, doesn’t give a good line and length, and bowling full length, and runs away, then it’s noticeable.
When asked by the anchor if he thinks India has deliberately lost the match to ensure that Pakistan has not made progress towards the knock-out phase of the tournament, Razzaq replied in the affirmative.
“There is no doubt (India has intentionally lost the match). I said it, too, at that time. Every cricketer felt the same thing. A player who can hit six or four is defending the ball, you know, “he added.
The match between the two teams saw England’s hosts set the Virat Kohli-led side to chase a gigantic goal of 338. Despite the hundred of Rohit Sharma, India failed to attain the target, finishing in 50 overs at 306/5.
Former Pakistani Spinner Mushtaq Ahmed said West Indies players asked him to stop Pakistan after they saw the Indian game lost.. “I worked at last year’s World Cup with the West Indies team. After India ‘s defeat to England, I told by Jason Holder, Chris Gayle, and Andre Russell, Mushy, India didn’t want to see Pakistan qualifying for the semi-finals, “Mushtaq Ahmed said in the same interview.
