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Former England cricketer and prominent commentator David Lloyd criticized the ICC, accusing them of manipulating India vs Pakistan matches in tournament group stages, likening it to fixing.
“We talk long and hard about fixing in cricket, that’s fixed [pre-determining IND vs PAK fixtures]. That’s just fixed for a major event,” Lloyd said on the TalkSports Podcast when asked about the recurring India vs Pakistan fixtures in ICC tournaments.
“I think that the romance of anything like this if they do get drawn together, not that they are, that’s it. If they do, there’s a romance to it. There’s something for spectators to look forward to. If it happens and then it becomes an event, you know the game itself is an event. You can’t fix it.
David Lloyd: ‘Try to make things and manipulate. It’s just wrong’
The 77-year-old also hinted at broader issues of manipulation in the ongoing T20 World Cup, suggesting that several aspects were orchestrated. His remarks seemed to point towards India, who played all their group matches at a single venue and fixed times (8:00 PM IST), unlike other teams who had to travel between venues and adjust to varying game schedules.
India was also guaranteed the second semi-final spot in Guyana regardless of their group stage performance, aimed at maximizing viewership from the Indian subcontinent during prime time. This scheduling decision sparked criticism because it provided India with an advantage of knowing their semi-final venue, unlike other teams.
“And that’s, that’s only part of what we fix. We fixed lots of stuff in this particular World Cup, to try to make things and manipulate. It’s just wrong,” said Llyod.
Former England cricketer raises eyebrows, alleging prearranged India vs Pakistan fixtures in ICC tournaments.
