Just two days ahead of the high-octane ICC Champions Trophy final between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, Aamer Sohail had indirectly accused his national side of fixing matches in the ongoing eight-team marquee event.
Former opener Aamer Sohail has clarified that his statement with regard to alleged match-fixing by Pakistan was completely misunderstood.
Just two days ahead of the high-octane Champions Trophy final against arch-rivals India, Sohail had indirectly accused his national side of fixing matches in the ongoing eight-team marquee event.
While speaking on a Pakistani news channel, Sohail created a storm by saying that ODI skipper Sarfraz Ahmed and his boys have no reason to rejoice as they have made it to the finals, not on the basis of their performance, but through “external factors”.
“Sarfraz needs to be told that you have not done anything special. Someone has helped you to win these matches. There is no reason for you (Sarfraz) to rejoice. We all know what happens behind the scenes. I can’t tell you who have won them the games.
If asked, I will say that the prayers of the fans and God have won them the games. They have been brought to the final due to external factors and not on the basis of their performances,” Sohail said.
Aamir Sohail levels serious allegations on Pakistan team, says "someone [from outside the team] is winning them matches." #PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/wPxD9INGkP
— azhar khan (@Azharkh4) June 15, 2017
Sohail further warned the players to concentrate on their game and remain level-headed; otherwise they would not be able to survive.
Following his comments, Sohail received a backlash and had to ‘clarify’ his position on the same.
The former cricketer said that his comments came following Sarfraz’s refusal to dedicate his performance against Sri Lanka to Javed Miandad, saying that their former coach criticizes the team a lot.
“My comments were made after I heard reports of Sarfaraz’s refusal to dedicate his performance against Sri Lanka to Miandad and him saying that Miandad criticises the team too much.The other thing I said was that the facilitators of the win cannot be named. However, I said nothing about match-fixing or any other foul play - my statement was misunderstood,” the Dawn quoted Sohail, as saying.
Contrary to everyone’s expectations, Pakistan stunned favourites England by registering a resounding eight-wicket win to enter the finals of the ongoing Champions Trophy here at the Sophia Gardens, Cardiff on Wednesday.
Chasing a paltry score of 212, Pakistan crossed the line for the loss of two wickets and 12.5 overs to spare.
Following the win, Sarfraz said that although no one had expected them to qualify for the finals, they are happy to defy all odds and bounce back from their opening-match defeat to India.
One can expect a cracker of a game on Sunday at the Kennington Oval, with the two arch-rivals facing each other for the second time in the tournament.
SOURAV GANGULY, HARBHAJAN SINGH BLAST AAMER SOHAIL'S MATCH-FIXING ALLEGATIONS ON SARFRAZ AHMED
Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly and veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh have both come forth in support of Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed after the latter was accused by their former cricketer Aamer Sohail for match fixing in the underway ICC Champions Trophy 2017, at England.
Sourav Ganguly, when asked about the same called it 'stupid' and 'ridiculous.' "Somebody who has played the game for his country and captained it should appreciate the way they have come to the final," the former Indian opener said.
In fact, the left-handed talisman went on to praise Sarfraz as well as the Pakistani team and how they have defied all odds to reach their maiden Champions Trophy final. He said, "There's no support, there's no structure, there's no first-class cricket, they don't have international cricket back at home, and just see who they have beaten: South Africa, Sri Lanka and England to get to a Champions Trophy final."
"I find it absolutely ridiculous! It shows of poor culture and taste, and I know Aamer well and he's been a friend... but he should not be doing all of this," said the 44-year-old.
He was joined by former teammate Harbhajan Singh who also offered his views. The offie said, " "I'm sure he's one of the more respected cricketers in Pakistan, but if you do such things where you don't respect your own team then obviously, in the end, you are (Aamer) going to lose respect."
Ganguly went ahead to point out, "The likes of Sarfaraz and some of these boys are used to all this. This isn't the first time I am hearing this."
He, in fact, asked the precision behind such allegations – "How can Pakistan influence their qualification into a final? How?"
Bhajji concluded saying, "I feel so bad when people work so hard and your ex-captains or ex-players talk really bad about the team."
And so indeed.
