Cricket News

Ratan Tata: ‘No Truth’ to Claims of Reward for Rashid Khan

Industrialist Ratan Tata has denied offering a financial reward to Afghan cricketer Rashid Khan for displaying the Indian flag after Afghanistan’s win against Pakistan in the ongoing ODI World Cup. The clarification comes after news of Tata pledging Rs 10 crore to the cricketer went viral on social media. Rashid Khan was penalized by the Apex Cricket Council for his actions.

Ratan Tata went to the extent of denying any connection to cricket and urged people to not believe WhatsApp forwards. “I have made no suggestions to the ICC or any cricket faculty about any cricket member regarding a fine or reward to any players. I have no connection to cricket whatsoever. Please do not believe WhatsApp forwards and videos of such nature unless they come from my official platforms,” Mr Tata said on X, formerly Twitter.

The Afghanistan vs Pakistan match in the 2023 ODI World Cup was one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament, and it did not disappoint. Afghanistan, who had a poor track against Pakistan in ODIs, pulled off a stunning victory over their rivals, Pakistan. Pakistan compiled a total of 282 in their 50 overs which Afghanistan chased down with one over to spare. With the ball, Noor Ahmed and Mohammed Nabi did a brilliant job to restrict Babar and Co. following which the top order batters batted with a high level of maturity to close the game.

Pakistan won their first-ever ODI game against Pakistan

The victory was a significant one for the country, as it provided a rare moment of joy and unity for Afghans. After the game, Afghans in Kabul rejoiced as their national cricket team defeated Pakistan. Fireworks and celebratory gunfire filled the sky, and thousands of people took to the streets, cheering and waving Afghan flags. Overall, the Afghans have won two out of their five completed games. Their other victory came against defending-champions England and it was another particularly proud moment for the country.