Sarfaraz Ahmed-led Pakistan bowed out of the ICC World Cup 2019 after finishing at the fifth position on the points table. Though they had the same number of points as fourth-placed New Zealand, the Black Caps made it to the semi-finals because of their superior net run rate.
But amidst all this, the Pakistani fans and even some former players have been taking shots at Team India, accusing them of not giving their best against England. A win for India against England would have surely put Pakistan through. However, the Men in Blue lost that game by 31 runs while chasing an improbable 337. The loss was India’s first and only in the tournament so far.
Not right to blame India
Unlike his compatriots, Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed credited England for the win instead of blaming India for the loss. He made it clear that putting the blame on India is not right.
“No, no, it is not right to say this. I don’t think India lost because of us. England played well to win,” Sarfaraz told reporters after returning home.
He also came down hard on a journalist during the press conference after she used the word ‘Bengalis’ while asking about Pakistan’s clash against Bangladesh.
“Please don’t use this word. It could become an issue for you on social media. I think you should address them as Bangladesh. You are using an objectionable word,” Sarfaraz said after the journalist asked why the team management did not give Shoaib Malik a farewell in the match against the ‘Bengalis’.
“Shoaib is our senior-most player and though he did not have a good World Cup, he has served the country a lot. His presence in the team was very good for all of us,” Sarfaraz said.
Shoaib announced his ODI retirement after Pakistan’s exit from the 2019 World Cup and will now only focus on playing T20 cricket.
