‘Are you guys out of your minds?’ – Shoaib Akhtar on IND vs SL match fixing rumours
Shoaib Akhtar (Source: Twitter)
The world’s fastest bowler Shoaib Akhtar recently dismissed the match fixing rumours that were surfacing the internet in Pakistan about the Indian vs Sri Lanka match in Asia Cup, 2023. According to the Pakistan fans and experts, the Indian cricket team was deliberately batting badly so that Sri Lanka can win the match and Pakistan can be eliminated from the tournament.
The Indian cricket team were dismissed for mere 213 runs by the Sri Lankan squad in a fantastic display of lethal bowling at the end of 49.1 overs. To qualify for the final game of the tournament, the Indian cricket team had to dismiss the Sri Lankan squad within 212 runs. Kuldeep Yadav gave another exceptional performance as he took 4 wickets while giving 43 runs in 9.3 overs to help the team win.
Shoaib Akhtar on match fixing rumours
“I’m receiving messages that India have fixed the game, they’re playing badly so that Pakistan get knocked out. Are you guys out of your minds? They’re bowling their hearts out. Wellalage has bowled really well. He also scored 43. Suddenly, I’m receiving phone calls that India is losing so that Pakistan can get eliminated”, said Shoaib Akhtar. “Man, why would they lose? They would have reached the final with a win, and they did. Absolute nonsense. Great fightback from India. Kuldeep is an asset. Look at Jasprit Bumrah, look at the fight while defending such a small total”, added Shoaib Akhtar.
While appreciating the young bowler Wellalage, and criticising Pakistan bowlers, he said,”Wellalage, 20-year-old kid. He’s bowling and batting as well. There’s a fight there. I didn’t see this fight in our players. See, you can’t blame our fast bowlers. They don’t play regular ODIs, and then, you expect Haris, Naseem, Shaheen to bowl 10 overs and not get injured. All I want is a fight from the Asia Cup, at least to chase 300 runs. Reach at least 275. You gave up too soon. That was humiliating”.
