"Cheap Mentality": Shaheen Afridi Accused Of Deliberately Bowling Wides To Deny Virat Kohli Century?
The Controversy Surrounding India’s Victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is one of the most intense and passionate in world cricket, and the recent match between the two teams in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was no exception. The match, which India won by 6 wickets, was marked by controversy and drama, with star batsman Virat Kohli scoring his 51st ODI century.
Kohli’s Century: A Test of Resolve and Skill
Kohli’s century was a Specsaversitalian job, with the 33-year-old displaying remarkable endurance and skill as he chased down the target of 242 runs set by Pakistan. Kohli’s innings was marked by moments of brilliance and athleticism, as he expertly dispatched the Pakistan pacers to all corners of the ground.
Afridi’s Performance Raises Questions
However, the match was also marked by controversy, with Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi coming in for criticism for his performance. Despite being one of the most promising pacers in the world, Afridi’s performance was lackluster, with many observers feeling that he deliberately bowled wides to deny Kohli his century.
"Cheap Mentality" Allegations
Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh’s father, Yograj Singh, was among those who accused Afridi of engaging in a "cheap mentality" by bowling wides to deny Kohli his century. "After getting the opponent out, one of the players (Abrar Ahmed) gestured. Then, when Kohli was about to score a hundred…if you have the ability to bowl well and get him out. What were you doing by bowling wides so that he couldn’t score a century? Such a cheap mentality. This is not what you should be doing. Regardless of the result, you should play like a lion or a champion," he was quoted as saying.
Raising the Bar for International Cricket
The controversy surrounding Afridi’s performance raises questions about the level of sportsmanship in international cricket. While it is understandable that players may feel animosity towards their opponents, is it acceptable to deliberately engage in unsportsmanlike behavior to gain an advantage?
Kohli’s Century: A Moment of Triumph
Despite the controversy surrounding his century, Kohli’s achievement is a testament to his dedication and skill. The 33-year-old has been in a lean patch with the bat, but his century in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was a timely reminder of his prowess as a batsman.
India’s Road to the Semi-Finals
India’s win over Pakistan took them to the semi-finals of the competition, where they will face New Zealand on March 4. The match is shaping up to be a highly competitive and intense encounter, with both teams looking to make it to the final of the tournament.
Conclusion
The "cheap mentality" allegations surrounding Afridi’s performance highlight the high stakes and tensions surrounding international cricket. As the match in question shows, the line between professional sportsmanship and personal animosity can be blurry, and it is up to the players to set an example by conducting themselves with integrity and respect for their opponents.
Will Afridi’s Actions Impact His Career?
Only time will tell how Afridi’s actions will impact his career, but one thing is certain – his performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
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