Afghan Cricket Team’s Historic Win Sparks Controversy
Afghanistan Shocks Australia
In a stunning turn of events at the T20 World Cup 2024, Afghanistan pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament by defeating the 2021 champions, Australia, in the Super 8s on Saturday night. This victory marks Afghanistan’s first-ever win over Australia in international cricket. Rashid Khan’s team showcased a remarkable comeback after their previous defeat against India, keeping their semi-final hopes alive.
Pakistani Journalist’s Controversial Accusation
While Afghanistan’s triumph was celebrated by many, it did not sit well with Pakistani journalist Wajahat Kazmi. Kazmi, who has worked with prominent Pakistani news outlets like Dawn News and Sam TV, accused the Afghan cricket team of deliberately losing to India in ICC events. He suggested that the players’ lucrative contracts in the Indian Premier League (IPL) influence their performance against India.
“Afghanistan can beat any team in the world except India for obvious reasons. IPL contracts are very precious,” Kazmi tweeted, expressing his frustration on social media. His comments come in the wake of Pakistan’s own struggles in the tournament, where they failed to reach the Super 8s after losing to the USA and their arch-rivals, India, in the group stage.
Implications for Semi-Final Berth
Afghanistan’s victory over Australia has significantly boosted their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals. Australia, on the other hand, faces the threat of being eliminated from the tournament if they lose their next match against India on Monday. For Afghanistan, a win against Bangladesh in their upcoming match will secure their place in the semi-finals, marking a historic achievement for the team.
Conclusion
The Afghan cricket team’s remarkable journey in the T20 World Cup 2024 has been met with both praise and controversy. While their win against Australia is a testament to their growing prowess in international cricket, the accusations from Pakistani journalist Wajahat Kazmi highlight the complex dynamics of cricket diplomacy in South Asia. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Afghanistan to see if they can continue their winning streak and make history by reaching the semi-finals.(cricket betting app)