(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Former Pakistan cricketer Sikandar Bakht stirred a controversy by accusing India captain Rohit Sharma of gamesmanship during the coin toss. He alleged that Rohit intentionally threw the coin too far from the opposition leaders throughout the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
Bakht claimed that this tactic prevented the opposing captain from verifying the coin’s side facing upwards, though it is the match referee’s responsibility to confirm the toss result.
Bakht expressed his suspicions on Geo News, stating, “Can I give you a conspiracy theory? At the time of the toss, Rohit Sharma throws the coin far from the range of any opposition captain. Thus, the opposition captain cannot go and cross-check about the call.”
Not only Bakht, former Pakistan player Hasan Raza also recently made severe allegations against Team India bowlers and match officials. Raza insinuated that the International Cricket Council (ICC) provide special balls to Indian bowlers, aiding them in achieving more swing and seam movement. These claims have raised eyebrows and intensified scrutiny surrounding the tournament.
Despite the controversies, the Men in Blue have secured a spot in the ODI World Cup 2033 final after a 12-year gap by defeating New Zealand on Wednesday at the Wankhede Stadium in the semi-final match by 70 runs. Their quest for the third ODI World Cup trophy intensifies as they gear up to face Australia on 19th November at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.