An almost inconceivable conspiracy theory regarding the coin toss has been raised as Rohit Sharma‘s undefeated Indian side hones in on the Cricket World Cup final.
Amid debate surrounding pitch management, the changing of balls and claims of DRS manipulation, a former Pakistani quick has added to the scepticism surrounding India and the International Cricket Council following the home nation’s semi-final win over New Zealand.
“Can I give you a conspiracy theory?” Sikander Bakht said on Geo News in the wake of India’s 70-run victory.
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“At the time of the toss, Rohit Sharma throws the coin distant from the range of any opposition captain. Thus, the opposition captain cannot go and crosscheck about the call.”
Bakht doubled down on X as he posted a clip showing several Sharma coin tosses from the tournament and those of other captains.
“Very strange the way Rohit Sharma throw [sic] the coin at [the] toss, far away, don’t let other captains to see, compare [sic] to other captains in the WC. Any reason?” Bakht wrote.
Ahead of the semi-final against the Black Caps, Sharma tossed the coin several metres in front of him and New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson (watch the coin toss in the video at the top of the page).
Match referee Andy Pycroft, who’s Zimbabwean, checked the lay of the coin, and Williamson took his word for it.
Pakistan legend Wasim Akram rubbished the conspiracy theory raised by Bakht, who played 26 Tests and 27 one-day internationals across the 1970s and 1980s.
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“Who decides where the coin should land? It is just for sponsorship. Coin can go anywhere. I feel embarrassed,” Akram said on A Sports’ The Pavilion.
The conspiracy theory was also trashed by Pakistan great Moin Khan.
“This is not true, I think he is mistaken, he is just creating a fuss, that’s it, nothing else,” Khan said on The Pavilion.
“Because every captain has a different way of tossing the coin.
“There is nothing in that.”
Sharma won the coin toss and elected to bat, before India amassed 397 runs. New Zealand was then bowled out for 327.
Bakht aired his conspiracy theory despite the fact India has not been dominant at the coin toss in this tournament, having won five and lost five.
India and Australia will square off in the final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.