WC 2015: ‘ICC is favouring India by providing tailor-made pitches’

Karachi: While cricket fans are lauding Team India's performance in the ongonig ICC Cricket World Cup and more specially the historic win against arch-nemesis Pakistan, a statement from former Pakistan pacer Sarfraz Nawaz might dampen the celebrations. Nawaz accused the ICC of favouring the Indian team by providing the title defenders pitches tailor-made to suit their strengths.

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"You look at the matches played so far in this World Cup, where India has played, the pitches have been prepared to suit their strengths," Nawaz, who played 55 Tests and 45 ODIs said on a TV channel show.

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But defending Pakistan, the controversial pacer said the team was being made to play on pitches which were not easy for them. "Look at today's (Sunday's Pakistan vs Zimbabwe) match, the pitch was double paced and had a lot of bounce which goes against our strengths. I would ask the Pakistan Cricket Board to take up this issue with the ICC and find out what is going on," he said.

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Nawaz also said that Pakistan should lodge a protest with the ICC as India is being highly favoured by the cricket’s world governing body. Former off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, who was on the same panel on the channel declined to comment on the issue. Ajmal pointed out that it was good that Pakistan won against Zimbabwe even on a challenging surface.

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Nawaz said that it was strange that pitches in the World Cup either were totally suited batsmen or were assisting the bowlers. He said that this same Indian team had struggled in Australia in the preceding Test and ODI tri-series.