"India did not lose because of us": Sarfaraz Ahmed debunks the conspiracy theory of team intentionally attempting to hamper Pak's semi-final chances

Refusing to believe in the perception that India deliberately lost to England, hurting Pakistan's semifinal chances, skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed said it's incorrect to level allegations on the Virat Kohli-led side.

A lot of former Pakistan cricketers doubted that India did not give their best against England, putting obstacles in their side's road to semifinals. Earlier this month, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali was seen making some controversial comments. A video grab from a TV show aired in Pakistan, he said that India would intentionally lose to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in order to keep Pakistan out of the semi-finals. Basit Ali claimed that India would do anything to make sure Pakistan does not reach the semi-finals.

"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.

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Sarfaraz also gave a dressing down to a journalist at 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," the Pakistan skipper told the television reporter after she asked why the team management did not give Shoaib Malik a farewell in the match against the "Bengalis".

"Shoaib is our senior-most player and though he did not have a good World Cup, he has served the country a lot. His presence in the team was very good for all of us," Sarfaraz said.

Malik announced his retirement from ODIs after the World Cup and will now only focus on playing T20 cricket.

Pakistan failed to make the semi-finals of the 50-over showpiece despite having the same points as the fourth qualified team, New Zealand, having lost out on the basis of the net run-rate. Sarfaraz and Co. faced robust criticism after they managed to win just one out of their first five matches but they made a strong comeback to secure wins over South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh in a row, to reduce the chances of a huge backlash at home. 

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