Don’t think India lost because of us, says Sarfaraz Ahmed

The Pakistani fans and even some former players had blamed India for their team’s ouster from the ongoing World Cup in England and Wales. The Sarfaraz Ahmed-led side exited the competition from the group stage, losing the semi-final race due to poor net run-rate. Pakistan and New Zealand finished the group with the same points – 11. Both the teams also had the same number of wins which was the first parameter to decide which team will progress.

Thus eventually, the net run-rate became the deciding factor and Pakistan had to bow out. But amidst all this, the Pakistani mass has been taking shots at India, accusing them of not giving it their all 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.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli looked set to take their team over the line before being sent back at crucial junctures. Towards the end of the innings, the pitch became slower and India found it tough to hit the big shots. However, Pakistani fans were not all impressed with their efforts and slammed them for the same. Some even went to the extent of calling it against the spirit of the game or even a fixed contest. Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed has now finally expressed his views on the matter.

Not right to blame India

Unlike his compatriots, Sarfaraz credited England for the win instead of blaming India for the loss. He made it clear that blaming India is just not the 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 reaching back home.

He also came down hard on a journalist during the press conference after she used the word ‘Bengalis’ while asking about the match against Bangladesh.

“Please don’t use this word. It could become an issue for you on the social media. I think you should address them as Bangladesh. You are using objectionable word,” Sarfaraz Ahmed said after the journalist asked why the team management did not give Shoaib Malik a farewell in the match against the “Bengalis”.