Ramdas Athawale, the Union Minister of State for SocialJustice and Empowerment, demand a thorough investigation on the ICC Champions Trophy final between India and Pakistan which appeared to be “fixed” and call for a probe into the matter.
Union minister on Saturday alleged that India captain Virat Kohli, senior player Yuvraj Singh and the team fixed the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 against Pakistan.
“In the match against Pakistan, someone like Virat Kohli who scores a century so often and other accomplished players like Yuvraj Singh who have scored so many runs in the past, looked like they were playing to lose”, the RPI(A) leader said reporters at Ravi Bhavan in Nagpur.
“Anil Kumble was the coach there. Kohli, who has scored so many runs in the past, what happened to him that day? “. How could the cricketers, who played so well in the entire tournament, not perform in the final match (in London on June 18)? That’s the reason why I have a doubt that was it a case of match-fixing,” Athawale questioned.
Team India was in a great form as their top order was performing exceptionally well and termed as favorite to lift the title. But in the final all these things took a U-turn and India’s prolific batting line up shattered unbelievably. As a result India suffered a 180 runs defeat against their arch rivals Pakistan.
Athawale also raised his voice for 25 percent reservation for Dalits and tribals in cricket and other games, saying these sections have never got due recognition in sports.
“Those who did not perform should be rested and eligible cricketers from the Dalit community should be given a chance in the team,” he said.
