Afridi’s remarks come at a sensitive juncture in the tournament, where India recently secured a 72-run victory over Zimbabwe to stay alive in the Super 8 race. Despite the win, the former skipper insisted that the West Indies are far more deserving of a knockout berth, citing their superior brand of cricket throughout the group stages. Afridi specifically pointed to India’s heavy defeat at the hands of South Africa as evidence of their vulnerability. "India looked completely exposed and inconsistent," Afridi noted. "They were outplayed by South Africa in a one-sided game, and their only convincing wins have come against associate nations."
The critique extended to India’s high-stakes group match against Pakistan earlier in the month. Afridi suggested that India’s narrow escape in that fixture was a matter of luck and individual brilliance rather than collective strength. He argued that had Suryakumar Yadav not delivered a match-saving knock against the USA, or had key moments shifted slightly during the Pakistan game, the Men in Blue might have faced an early exit. According to Afridi, reaching the semifinals by "beating minnows" raises serious questions about the "integrity and competitive level" of the current World Cup format.
Administrative and cricketing bodies have yet to officially respond to Afridi's comments, which have polarized fans on social media. While some supporters of the "Boom Boom" legend agree that India’s road has been aided by a favorable draw, others point to the clinical nature of India’s 256-run record-breaking total against Zimbabwe as proof of their firepower. The controversy adds a layer of psychological tension to the upcoming "winner-takes-all" clash between India and the West Indies at Eden Gardens, a match that will now serve as the ultimate litmus test for Afridi’s claims.
Ultimately, Afridi’s outburst underscores the perennial pressure and scrutiny surrounding the India-Pakistan rivalry, even as the two teams navigate different paths in the tournament. Whether India can silence their critics by defeating a "top team" like the West Indies remains to be seen. For now, the "minnow basher" label remains a heavy shadow over India's campaign, ensuring that their potential entry into the semifinals will be viewed through a lens of intense skepticism by their rivals across the border.
About The Author
Comment List