Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was incensed by allegations of game-fixing leveled against Team India during their Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match against Sri Lanka. The accusations arose after India’s batting lineup struggled and was bowled out for 213 runs. While India ultimately secured a spot in the Asia Cup final with the victory, some fans claimed that India intentionally lost the match to eliminate Pakistan from contention. In a video on his YouTube channel, Shoaib Akhtar vehemently refuted these allegations and called out the fans for spreading baseless claims.
Expressing his frustration, Shoaib Akhtar addressed the accusations and urged fans to reconsider their stance. He mentioned receiving memes and messages insinuating that India had “fixed the game” to ensure Pakistan’s exclusion. Akhtar questioned the credibility of such claims, emphasizing the outstanding efforts of Sri Lankan bowlers, particularly Dunith Wellalage and Charith Asalanka.
“I don’t know what you guys are doing. I am getting memes and messages saying ‘India have fixed the game,’ that they are losing deliberately in order to eliminate Pakistan. Are you alright? They (Sri Lanka) are bowling their heart out. Wellalage and Asalanka bowled their heart out. You saw that 20-year-old kid? He scored 43 runs and took 5 wickets. I am getting phone calls from India and other countries, saying India were losing deliberately,” Akhtar exclaimed, dismissing the unfounded conspiracy theories.
Shoaib Akhtar questioned the logic behind India intentionally losing a match that would secure their place in the final. He commended India’s remarkable fightback, highlighting the stellar performance of spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who claimed four crucial wickets to tilt the match in India’s favor.
“Why would they lose, tell me? They want to go through to the final. You end up making memes without any reason. It was a great fightback from India. The way Kuldeep played, it was massive. Look at Jasprit Bumrah, look at the fight while defending a small total,” Akhtar reasoned.
Furthermore, the cricket legend criticized Pakistan’s team for their perceived lack of determination and effort in their previous match against India. He also questioned the fitness levels of pacers Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi.
“Wellalage, a 20-year-old kid, is showing fight. He is batting and bowling, doing all he can. Our players (Pakistan) couldn’t show this fight. Our fast bowlers don’t play. When was the last they played 25-30 ODIs at a stretch? Then we expect Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah to deliver 10 overs and not get injured. I want the fight back from Pakistan. This was humiliating,” Akhtar asserted, highlighting the contrast in fighting spirit between the two teams.
With India having already secured their place in the Asia Cup final, Pakistan faces a crucial match against Sri Lanka to secure the second spot in the title-deciding contest. Shoaib Akhtar’s impassioned response serves as a reminder of the intensity and scrutiny that surrounds cricketing rivalries, with emotions often running high among fans and former players alike.