Following Wednesday’s T20 World Cup game between India and Bangladesh in Adelaide, a Pakistan journalist alleged that ICC plays favoritism with India in multi-nation events. Former Pakistan all-rounder, Shahid Afridi also commented on similar lines. Their comments were based on the Shakib Al Hasan episode during that Super 12 Group 2 game where the Bangladesh skipper was not happy with the match being resumed within 15 minutes after the rain stopped.

Notably, Adelaide is known to be one of the quickest drying grounds in the world. Afridi’s comment created quite a stir in world cricket and on Friday, BCCI president Roger Binny gave a hard-hitting reply to the accusations.

Speaking to Samaa TV on the episode after the rain break at the Adelaide Oval, a Pakistan journalist had said, “Shakib Al Hasan said the same thing and it was shown on the screen as well. You saw the ground how wet it was. But I feel that the ICC is somewhat inclined towards India. They want to ensure that India reach the semifinals at any cost.”

Afridi, who was part of the panel, responded saying, “I know what happened. Given the amount of rain that happened, the game resumed immediately after the break. It is very evident that that ICC, then India playing, then the pressure that comes with it, there are many factors involved.”

Roger Binny has lashed out at the allegations made by the two saying that no team gets special treatment during ICC events, even India, despite it being a “big powerhouse” in cricket.

During a chat with ANI, Roger Binny said, “Not fair. I don’t think we’re favored by ICC. Everyone gets the same treatment. No way in which you can say that. What do we get different from other teams? India is a big powerhouse in cricket but we’re all treated the same.”

While Bangladesh was ahead in the chase, in terms of DLS par score when the rain had started, they fell like nine pins after the resumption, eventually succumbing to a five-run defeat. The win put India a step closer to the semi-final qualification.