Aamer Sohail sullies Pakistan's run

Karachi: Former Pakistan opener Aamer Sohail has clarified that his statement with regards to alleged match-fixing by Pakistan, saying that his comments were misunderstood.

Just two days ahead of the high-octane Champions Trophy final, against arch-rivals India, Sohail had indirectly accused his national side of fixing matches in the ongoing eight-team marquee event.

While speaking on a Pakistani news channel, Sohail created a storm by saying that ODI skipper Sarfraz Ahmed and his boys have no reason to rejoice as they have made it to the finals, not on the basis of their performance, but through “external factors”.

“Sarfraz needs to be told that you have not done anything special. Someone has helped you win these matches. There is no reason for you (Sarfraz) to rejoice. We all know what happens behind the scenes. I can’t tell you who have won them the games. If asked, I will say that the prayers of the fans and God have won them the games. They have been brought to the final due to external factors and not on the basis of their performances,” Sohail had said.

“Please don’t get over smart and remain level headed. We know about your ability. Just keep quiet and play cricket,” Sohail had said in comments directed at Sarfraz.

Following his comments, Sohail received a backlash and had to ‘clarify’ his position on the same. The former cricketer said that his comments came following Sarfraz’s refusal to dedicate his performance to Javed Miandad.

“My comments were made after I heard reports of Sarfaraz’s refusal to dedicate his performance against Sri Lanka to Miandad and him saying that Miandad criticises the team too much. The other thing I said was that the facilitators of the win cannot be named. However, I said nothing about match-fixing or any other foul play — my statement was misunderstood,” the Dawn quoted Sohail as saying.