Roger Binny counters Shahid Afridi’s baseless claims

BCCI President Roger Binny has come out strongly in order to counter former cricketer Shahid Afridi’s recent statements stating ICC favours India in big tournaments. Binny made his stand clear adding that even though India is a cricketing powerhouse, every nation is treated the same.

Afridi’s statement surfaced after India pocketed close victory by five runs (DLS) against Bangladesh in a rain-marred encounter. Afridi was of the opinion that umpires went out to resume the game even when the outfield was wet so that India could mak a cut in the semi-finals.

The former Pakistan skipper also pointed out that the same umpires who officiated India vs Pakistan game earlier in the tournament took the field in the India-Bangladesh game. Though India grabbed the narrow defeat to boost their semi-final chances, their victory effectively dented Pakistan’s slim chances to move ahead in the competition.

“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 had said on Samaa TV.

“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,” he added.

Binny was clear that no one can make such a statement regarding ICC as there is nothing special that is meted out to team India. India, who are at the nearest possible mark to storm through the next round, will be aiming to dominate the game against Zimbabwe on November 6 to claim the semis spot officially.

“Not fair. I don’t think we’re favoured by ICC. Everyone gets same treatment. No way in which you can say that. What do we get different from other teams? India is a big powerhouse in cricket but we’re all treated the same,” Binny said.