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Pat Cummins is dragged into WILD conspiracy theory that claims India is breaking the rules at the World Cup with a very sneaky move at the coin toss

1 year ago 57
  • Some fans believe India are bending the rules at tournament
  • Theory revolves around skipper Rohit Sharma's coin tosses
  • Eagle-eyed fans contrasted his efforts with Pat Cummins'

By Andrew Prentice For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 06:57 GMT, 16 November 2023 | Updated: 07:09 GMT, 16 November 2023

Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins has unwittingly been dragged into a wild conspiracy theory that alleges India are cheating at the ODI World Cup.

The hosts are unbeaten after 10 matches and marched into the final on November 19 after beating a gallant New Zealand by 70 runs on Wednesday.

But the supposedly questionable conduct of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma at the coin toss has many cricket fans up in arms.


Numerous clips from eagle-eyed supporters on social media have shown Sharma throwing the pre-game coin so far away that the opposing skipper can't see how it lands.

Fans have drawn the conclusion that he's doing so because the International Cricket Council wants India to win the World Cup so badly that they've instructed match officials to rule that India has won the toss, even when the coin goes against the home side. 

In Wednesday's semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Kiwi captain Kane Williamson took the word of the match referee that he had lost the toss and didn't look at how the coin landed.

Aussie captain Pat Cummins has unwittingly been dragged into a wild conspiracy theory suggesting India are cheating at the ODI World Cup

The supposedly questionable conduct of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma at the coin toss has many cricket fans up in arms

India then plundered 4-397 from their 50 overs after winning the toss and batting - then bowled out New Zealand for 327.

Daily Mail Australia does not suggest any wrongdoing by Sharma, the BCCI or the ICC. 

Former Pakistan Test bowler Sikandar Bakht is a believer, and fuelled the claims during a TV appearance.

'Can I give you a conspiracy theory?' he said. 'At the time of the toss, Rohit Sharma throws the coin distant from the range of any opposition captain. 

'Thus, the opposition captain cannot go and crosscheck about the call.'

In contrast, Cummins can be seen in other clips tossing the coin considerably lower than Sharma, ensuring the opposing skipper can easily see the result.

Veteran Australian sports commentator Gerard Whateley labelled the situation involving India at the ODI World Cup 'outrageous'

The left-field claims haven't been publicly addressed by Sharma, the BCCI or the ICC, but given India were also accused of switching the pitch ahead of their semi-final versus the Kiwis, suggestions the hosts are getting favourable treatment continue to fester.

Respected Australian sports commentator Gerard Whateley labelled the situation surrounding the pitch for India's semifinal 'outrageous'.

'This is an international tournament but, it hasn't quite felt that way,' he said.

'It's felt like a tournament in India for India and for India to win.

'It's one thing when you are the host nation of your own Test series for the team to influence the preparation for the pitch. [But] it just shouldn't be happening at an international tournament. 

'It is just so brazen and confirms everything that we know about pitch preparation in India. No matter how much denial there is of it.'

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