ICC want to ensure India reach T20 World Cup semi-finals at any cost: Shahid Afridi makes bizarre claims

T20 World Cup: Shahid Afridi has accused the International Cricket Council of bias towards India after the commencement of India vs Bangladesh. India narrowly beat Bangladesh by 5 runs in a rain-curtailed game.

Virat Kohli celebrates Litton Das’ wicket. (Courtesy: Ap)

By India Today Web Desk: Former Pakistan international Shahid Afridi has accused the International Cricket Council of bias towards India in the T20 World Cup. Shahid Afridi has claimed in a Saama TV show that the international cricket body wants to ensure that India reach the semi-finals of the tournament. His allegations come after India’s rain-curtailed match against Bangladesh, where the Men in Blue managed a narrow win by 5 runs. After an initial assault by opener Litton Das, India got back into groove after a forced break due to rain. India put back pressure on Bangladesh and kept taking important breakthroughs to post a clinical win by 5 runs.

“You saw the ground how wet it was. But ICC is inclined towards India. They want to ensure India reaches the semi-finals at any cost. The umpires were also the same who officiated India vs Pakistan & will get the best umpire awards,” Shahid Afridi said on Saama TV.

India put themselves in prime position to qualify for the semi-finals of the tournament after their win against Bangladesh. India’s win was a major issue for Pakistan, who had been tottering at the bottom half of the league table after their losses in the first two matches of the competition.

“Given the amount of rain that happened, the game resumed immediately after the break. It is very evident that many things were involved, the ICC, India playing (the game), the pressure that comes with it, there are many factors involved. But Litton’s batting was amazing. He played positive cricket. After six overs, we felt that if Bangladesh didn’t lose wickets for another 2-3 overs, they would have won the match. Overall, the fight shown by Bangladesh was brilliant,” Afridi further added.

India have all but qualified from their group and South Africa are the second team that are favoured to go into the next round. Pakistan have 4 points from their four matches and will depend on India or South Africa to lose their respective games to get into the semi-finals of the competition. Pakistan will have to defeat Bangladesh, hopefully by a big margin that will boost their run-rates. Provided that either India or South Africa lose their games, Pakistan have a chance to get into the semi-finals of the tournament.