ICC World Cup 2019 | Never abuse the game, says Waqar Younis after India’s semi-final loss

When India casually knocked singles and doubles around the field while chasing England’s 337 during the league match at Edgbaston, several former players and fans questioned the team’s motives. One popular opinion, although seemingly childish, was that India deliberately lost the match to ensure Pakistan’s demise in the World Cup. Former Pakistani captain Waqar Younis agreed to the same and had taken to Twitter to express exactly what he felt. 

“It's not who you are.. What you do in life defines who you are.. Me not bothered if Pakistan gets to the semis or not but one thing is for sure.. Sportsmanship of few Champions got tested and they failed badly #INDvsEND #CWC2019,” tweeted Younis. 

But, it seems Younis’ cravings were satisfied as India’s dreams of a World Cup title slipped through their hands against a determined Kiwi side, leaving a billion hearts broken. Younis seized the opportunity to poke those hearts with another tweet, this time including a lesson, more like a jab, for the Indian cricketing fraternity. 

“Such a brutal game this Cricket and a great leveller... Bites you back when you are expecting the least #CWC19 I learnt a great lesson today “Never Abuse The Game” #INDvsNZL,” Younis tweeted yesterday. 

It is to be noted, however, that this is the same ‘sportsman’ that suggested he and his partner Wasim Akram, deliberately wanted to get run out to prevent Anil Kumble from the historic 10-wicket haul in the Delhi Test between India and Pakistan in 1999.