Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Saturday said that Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh have allegedly fixed the final of ICC Champions Trophy against Pakistan on June 18.
“In the match against Pakistan, someone like Virat Kohli who scores a century so often and other accomplished players like Yuvraj Singh who have scored so many runs in the past, looked like they were playing to lose,” the minister said.
“Was there any match fixing involved? There should be an inquiry into this. Anil Kumble was the coach there. Kohli, who has scored so many runs in the past, what happened to him that day? That’s the reason why I have a doubt if it was a case of match-fixing? The players betrayed us. They kneeled in front of a rival like Pakistan. The same Pakistan that has kneeled in front of us many times, to kneel in front of them in such a way is major act of disrespect to your nation,” Athawale added.
The founder–leader of the Republican Party of India (A) also demanded a quota for Dalits in sports. “Dalits should be included in the team. In cricket, and all other sports, there should be a 25 per cent quota for Dalits. This is the demand of me and my party.”
India were the favourites to win the Champions Trophy against Pakistan, whom they had beaten comprehensively in a group match. While in the final, India were stunned by their arch-rival by 180 runs.
(With PTI inputs)
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