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In a stellar performance, Team India secured their spot in the final of the ICC Men’s Cricket ODI World Cup 2023 by defeating New Zealand with a commanding 70-run victory in the first semi-final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, November 15. However, the post-match discussions took an unexpected turn when former Pakistan cricketer Sikander Bakht presented a conspiracy theory related to Rohit Sharma‘s coin-tossing technique during the ongoing quadrennial event.
Sikander Bakht’s allegations on Rohit Sharma’s coin-toss technique
Bakht, speaking on Geo News, raised eyebrows by suggesting that Rohit deliberately throws the coin in a way that prevents the opposing captain from easily verifying the result of the toss. Bakht opined at the possibility of this being a calculated trick to gain an unfair advantage in the crucial toss moments.
“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,” Bakht said.
Very strange the way Rohit Sharma throw the coin at toss, far away, don’t let other Captains to see, compare to other Captains in the WC , any reason?? @BCCI @TheRealPCB @CricketAus @CricketSouthAfrica #sikanderbakht #WorldCup23 #IndiaVsNewZealand @ImRo45 @ICC pic.twitter.com/KxhR2QyUZm
— Sikander Bakht (@Sikanderbakhts) November 15, 2023
Also READ: ODI World Cup 2023: Fans and experts roar in admiration as South Africa’s David Miller scores fighting hundred against Australia
Wasim Akram dismisses Bakht’s claims
Responding to these allegations, legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram expressed his disbelief and disapproval. Akram dismissed Bakht’s claims, stating that there is no rule specifying where the coin should land and that the mat used for the toss is primarily there for sponsorship reasons. Akram went on to express his embarrassment over such allegations, emphasizing the need to focus on fair and respectful sportsmanship.
“Who decides where the coin should land? The mat is there for sponsorship reasons. I feel embarrassed,” Akram was quoted as saying by The Times of India.
History of allegations against Indian team
This incident follows a pattern of former Pakistan cricketers making controversial allegations against the Indian team. Previously, Hasan Raza had accused the ICC of providing Indian bowlers with specially designed balls that supposedly swing more, adding to the contentious atmosphere surrounding cricket rivalries.
