Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has claimed that the organizers of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy may have favoured an India-Pakistan final through their pitch allocations. Ali questioned why England played their semi-final against Pakistan on a used surface, while India faced Bangladesh on a fresh pitch.
The allegations emerged during an episode of the YouTube show Beard Before Wicket, featuring Ali, England leg-spinner Adil Rashid and Pakistan leg-spinner Shadab Khan. Pakistan won the semi-final by eight wickets before defeating Team India in the summit clash, securing their maiden Champions Trophy title.
“We Got a Lucky Wicket” – Shadab Khan on Used Pitch in Semi-Final vs England
England entered the semi-final at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff after winning all three of their group-stage matches. However, Pakistan's bowling attack restricted the hosts to 211, with the Asian side exploiting the slow surface to dismiss England's batters.
Pakistan's fast bowlers took nine of the 10 wickets, with the team chasing the target in just 37.1 overs to win by eight wickets. England's campaign ended, and Pakistan advanced to the final against India. During the podcast, Shadab Khan acknowledged that Pakistan had benefited from the surface.
“We got a lucky wicket, that type of pitch," Shadab said on Beard Before Wicket.
Moeen Ali Highlights Fresh Pitch for India's Knockout
India faced Bangladesh in the second semi-final at Edgbaston in Birmingham. They chased down the target of 265 with nine wickets in hand, reaching 265/1 in 40.1 overs. Comparing the two semi-finals, Moeen Ali questioned why England had played on a used pitch while India had a fresh surface.
“And this is no excuse; we lost, and they probably would beat us anyway — actually, Pakistan used to beat us in the World Cup — but we’re playing a semi-final on a used pitch in Cardiff, and India were playing, I think, Bangladesh on a fresh pitch," Moeen Ali said.
England Star Believes Organisers Wanted India-Pakistan Final
Moeen Ali suggested that the pitch allocation may have helped set up a final between India and Pakistan. He stated that England had a strong team capable of beating any opponent on a faster surface, although he acknowledged Pakistan's bowling strength.
“It’s almost like they wanted an India-Pakistan final. Because we were playing well, we had a very good team. This is my own opinion—on a really good fast wicket, at that time, we beat anyone. Maybe Pakistan is the only team that can beat us," Moeen Ali stated.
"But on the used pitch, we were still lacking on used pitches a little bit. And they won because Mohammad Amir and Hasan were so good. And so, you know, I still think that they wanted an India-Pakistan final.”
Pakistan went on to face India in the final at The Oval on June 18, 2017. Fakhar Zaman scored 114 off 106 balls as Pakistan posted 338/4. Mohammad Amir then took three wickets to help bowl India out for 158, sealing a historic 180-run victory and Pakistan's maiden Champions Trophy title.
Also read: Watch: Tilak Varma's bizarre run-out leaves Gautam Gambhir fuming during IND vs WI 3rd T20I
