copenlu/druid huggingface dataset:
Claim: Wasim Akram alleged that the performance of the Sri Lanka cricket team in the Asia Cup final match was suspicious !! (Social Media Users, 2023-09-21)
Evidence (2015-02-09): Then come a slew of Pringles. Meyrick Pringle's spell was known for his demolition of the West Indian top order. Derek Pringle was very difficult to get off and produced two high quality three wicket hauls. Two match-winning bowling efforts from the final find their place here. Wasim Akram's effort is well known, especially his return in the second half of the innings and the devastating spell of two key wickets in two balls. Mushtaq Ahmed's spell was equally important. [...] Wasim Akram's exploits with bat and ball decided the World Cup in Pakistan's favour. His explosive cameo propelled Pakistan to a reasonable 249. He and Inzamam compensated for the slow batting of Imran and Miandad. Then he removed Botham for 0 and coming back late in the innings took care of Allan Lamb and Chris Lewis in two balls.
Claim: Wasim Akram alleged that the performance of the Sri Lanka cricket team in the Asia Cup final match was suspicious !! (Social Media Users, 2023-09-21)
Evidence (2023-09-18): Team India thrashed Sri Lanka by 10 wickets to lift a record-extending eighth Asia Cup title on Sunday, as it blew away the hosts in Colombo. After bowling them out for merely 50 – thanks to Mohammed Siraj's incredible 6/21 figures which included a four-wicket second over – India chased down the target in just 6.1 overs. Opting to bat after winning the toss in the final, Sri Lanka's innings disintegrated soon enough, with five of their batters contributing nothing to their scorecard and Siraj leading the onslaught. [...] Also read: Wasim Akram sends crucial 'Kohli, Bumrah' advice to Team India after Asia Cup win: 'It's a long World Cup...' [...] "There are different venues and traveling in India… it takes a day (between every match). You need to preserve energy before the World Cup. I don't know why they are playing three ODIs. It is probably done a long time ago, but it was a bit unnecessary. You don't want to be tired before a mega-tournament where you are favourites at home. If you want some more players in the squad, you can play those in the three ODIs against Australia," Akram said on Star Sports following India's win in the Asia Cup final.
Claim: Wasim Akram alleged that the performance of the Sri Lanka cricket team in the Asia Cup final match was suspicious !! (Social Media Users, 2023-09-21)
Evidence (2022-09-02): Watch: Wasim Akram's gem of a reply to Athar Ali Khan's 'Look at those stats' remark about Mushfiqur Rahim on air A funny exchange between on-air commentators Athar Ali Khan and Wasim Akram became the main attraction of Mushfiqur Rahim's stay at the crease during Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Asia Cup 2022 match. Bangladesh on Thursday became the first team to be eliminated from the Asia Cup 2022 as they lost a humdinger to Sri Lanka by two wickets. Despite posting over 180, Sri Lanka chased down he target as an erratic Bangladesh unit conceded far too many extras, including four no-balls. Four Bangladesh batters got starts but none could convert it into a big one. Shakib Al Hasan, Afif Hossain, Mahmudullah and Mosaddek Hossain's innings propelled Bangladesh to 183/7 in 20 overs, but Sri Lanka batters chased it down with Kusal Mendis, Dasun Shanaka playing vital knocks and Asitha Fernando's 3-ball 10 providing the finishing touches.
Claim: Wasim Akram alleged that the performance of the Sri Lanka cricket team in the Asia Cup final match was suspicious !! (Social Media Users, 2023-09-21)
Evidence (2022-10-29): Wasim Akram was one of those rare talents, who never played first-class cricket, before making his international debut. In fact, he could not even get into the college team. Born in a Punja... [...] Wasim Akram was one of those rare talents, who never played first-class cricket, before making his international debut. In fact, he could not even get into the college team. Born in a Punjabi Arain family in Lahore, Wasim Akram's magical moment came when he participated in the trials conducted at the Gaddafi Stadium. Interestingly, he was a mere spectator for the first two days and finally, got a chance to roll his arms over on the third day. [...] 4. In 1998, fast-bowler Ata-ur-Rahman accused Wasim Akram of offering him money to under-perform in a match against New Zealand at Christchurch in 1993-94. Later on, Justice Malik Mohammad Qayyum, who conducted the inquiry into the fixing scandal, ruled that Akram cannot captain Pakistan again. While ruling the verdict, he then went on to say that he had a soft corner on Akram as he was a big fan of him.
Claim: Wasim Akram alleged that the performance of the Sri Lanka cricket team in the Asia Cup final match was suspicious !! (Social Media Users, 2023-09-21)
Evidence (2022-09-11): 'Pakistan are favourites but...': Wasim Akram sends warning to Babar Azam and Co. ahead of Asia Cup final vs Sri Lanka [...] Legendary Pakistani pacer Wasim Akram has issued a fresh warning to Babar Azam & Co. ahead of the Asia Cup 2022 final against hosts Sri Lanka. Former champions Pakistan and Sri Lanka outclassed Rohit Sharma's men in the Super 4 stage to dump Team India out of the Asia Cup 2022. Pakistan's stunning win over Afghanistan confirmed India's premature exit from the Asia Cup 2022. [...] "The performance of the Pakistan team has been fabulous in this Asia Cup. However, in the game against Sri Lanka, the intent was missing in their batting. The bowling was decent though. Hopefully, they will learn from their mistakes. But still, I think, Pakistan are the favourite in the finals. But the exciting and young Sri Lanka team cannot be taken easy," Akram told BBN Sports.
Claim: Wasim Akram alleged that the performance of the Sri Lanka cricket team in the Asia Cup final match was suspicious !! (Social Media Users, 2023-09-21)
Evidence (2022-07-20): Asked if administrators should consider scrapping ODI cricket, Akram said: "I think so. In England you have full houses. In India, Pakistan especially, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, South Africa, one-day cricket you are not going to fill the stadiums. [...] In the podcast, Akram recalls how an inspired piece of captaincy by Imran Khan shaped that 1992 final, selects his most memorable match, names the finest batsman he ever bowled against and gives his opinion on the current England team. Akram is currently in England, although he briefly moved out of his house in Lancashire earlier this week and into an air-conditioned hotel.
Claim: Wasim Akram alleged that the performance of the Sri Lanka cricket team in the Asia Cup final match was suspicious !! (Social Media Users, 2023-09-21)
Evidence (2023-06-03): That something has been their bowling. The strongest bowling unit amongst all the Asian sides, especially in the pace department, Pakistan won a majority of games on the back of their pace battery, the main ingredient to win outside the Indian sub-continent. The highest wicket-takers for India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are spinners; for Pakistan, the top three spots in that list are occupied by fast bowlers. Their wickets tally is led by arguably the best left-arm seamer of all-time and birthday boy, Wasim Akram. [...] Akram operated with a short run-up and almost a non-existent follow-through. In between, there was a whippy action that instilled the delivery with all the tricks through his inimitable wrist. To create a reference for millennials who did not see Akram bowl, he made bowling look as easy as Rohit Sharma does with his batting nowadays. You want to copy them but you know you can only wish to do so.
Claim: Wasim Akram alleged that the performance of the Sri Lanka cricket team in the Asia Cup final match was suspicious !! (Social Media Users, 2023-09-21)
Evidence (2024-08-23): Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) took a major step for the national team in their preparations for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and Caribbean. Actually, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) roped in Pakistani pace legend Wasim Akram in a special role ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2024. In an official statement, the SLC confirmed that Wasim Akram will conduct a comprehensive two-day training program for Sri Lankan cricketers and coaches. Sri Lanka’s national players, SLC High-Performance Coaches, and coaches representing major clubs in the country will attend this training program. [...] The SLC said in an official statement: "The program marks Sri Lanka Cricket’s initiative to bring in the required expertise to enhance the coaching strength of the SLC High Performance Center and the Major Club system in the country. The decision to invite Akram was taken by the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket headed by Mr. Shammi Silva, the President of Sri Lanka Cricket."
Claim: Wasim Akram alleged that the performance of the Sri Lanka cricket team in the Asia Cup final match was suspicious !! (Social Media Users, 2023-09-21)
Evidence (2024-10-05): Akram arrived in Sri Lanka on Wednesday to conduct a two-day training program for national players. [...] Sri Lanka Cricket has initiated this program to bring in the necessary expertise to enhance the coaching strength of the SLC High-Performance Center and the Major Club system in the country. The decision to invite Wasim Akram was taken by the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket, led by Mr. Shammi Silva, the President of Sri Lanka Cricket. The training program will commence on May 2, 2024. [...] Wasim Akram had previously served as mentor to Sri Lanka pacers
Claim: Wasim Akram alleged that the performance of the Sri Lanka cricket team in the Asia Cup final match was suspicious !! (Social Media Users, 2023-09-21)
Evidence (2022-09-19): 'If you're losing just before the World Cup...': Wasim Akram's no-holds-barred verdict on India's Asia Cup campaign [...] However, the legendary Wasim Akram has rung alarm bells for India ahead of the T20 World Cup. Their early exit from the Asia Cup, following defeat to Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the Super 4 is not exactly the kind of performance you would expect from a top side. Having said that, there were a few positives for India in the form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as both star batters returned to their run-scoring best. Kohli scored a century against Afghanistan while Rohit dazzled with a fine knock of 78 against Sri Lanka, albeit in a losing cause. But while this bodes well for India, Akram reckons getting eliminated from a big tournament such as the Asia Cup before reaching the final can again hamper the forms of their top batters, particularly Rohit. [...] Similarly against Sri Lanka, after India were reduced to 13/2, Rohit and Suryakumar brought them back with a 97-run partnership, but after the India captain's dismissal, the final eight overs yielded only 63 runs with the middle-order once again failing to step up. Akram believes that after the stage is set, the middle order should finish the innings with a flourish, something that wasn't the case during the Asia Cup.
Claim: Wasim Akram alleged that the performance of the Sri Lanka cricket team in the Asia Cup final match was suspicious !! (Social Media Users, 2023-09-21)
Evidence (2023-09-19): People need to stop thinking everything on social media is true. The bad is always easier to believe than the good. Fake news, in our part of the world, ignites unnecessary controversies, sparks hate and toughens the rift between us something that both countries do not need any… — Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) September 19, 2023 A quote attributed to Akram has been doing the rounds lately where he has supposedly questioned the performance of Sri Lanka team in the 2023 Asia Cup final, indicating that there might have been some behind-the-scenes ‘arrangement’ that might have happened between India and Sri Lanka to make sure that India wins. Wasim Akram on Star Sports:
Claim: Wasim Akram alleged that the performance of the Sri Lanka cricket team in the Asia Cup final match was suspicious !! (Social Media Users, 2023-09-21)
Evidence (2024-05-03): Former Pakistani legend Wasim Akram will conduct a two-day training program for national players, SLC High Performance Coaches, and the coaches of the major clubs. In total, Akram, who arrived in Sri Lanka this morning, will conduct five sessions, covering the SLC pace academy, HPC, and major club coaches. [...] The decision to invite Akram was taken by the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket headed by Mr. Shammi Silva, the President of Sri Lanka Cricket.
Claim: Wasim Akram alleged that the performance of the Sri Lanka cricket team in the Asia Cup final match was suspicious !! (Social Media Users, 2023-09-21)
Evidence (2024-10-07): Cricket Legend Wasim Akram Predicts NCL's Sixty Strikes Concept Will Bring Americans to "The Beautiful Game" [...] Speaking exclusively to Sports Illustrated, Akram, one of the sport’s greatest icons and now a globally renowned ‘voice’ of cricket as a commentator, says he’s excited about the NCL’s Sixty Strikes tournament. [...] Akram has also been impressed by the star power of many of the cricketing legends, past and present, who are involved in the tournament. "I mean, the caliber has been excellent. David Malan, the present players, the top players, and professionals, are participating in this tournament. So, credit to all the organizers. I think they've done a great job."
Claim: Wasim Akram alleged that the performance of the Sri Lanka cricket team in the Asia Cup final match was suspicious !! (Social Media Users, 2023-09-21)
Evidence (2022-10-20): Twenty-six years after his absence from the 1996 World Cup quarter-final against India caused massive public outrage, Wasim Akram cleared the air on his controversial no-show in Bangalore, explaining in detail the nature of the injury that led to his pulling out. Wasim led Pakistan’s at the Wills World Cup, hosted by India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. He was a last-minute withdrawal from the quarter-final against India, touted to be the most-anticipated clash of the tournament. He had suffered a side strain during his team’s 46-run win over New Zealand, did not bowl in the match, but was expected to recover in time and feature in a bowling attack that kept their combination of three seamers and one spinner throughout. [...] Wasim Akram has had enough of people blaming him for faking injury before the 1996 WC Quarter Final against India pic.twitter.com/jMuWOM3FOO — Ghumman (@emclub77) October 18, 2022
Claim: Wasim Akram alleged that the performance of the Sri Lanka cricket team in the Asia Cup final match was suspicious !! (Social Media Users, 2023-09-21)
Evidence (2022-09-11): Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Asia Cup 2022 final – as it happened Updates from the Asia Cup 2022 cricket final between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. - Sri Lanka win sixth Asia Cup title.
Claim: Wasim Akram alleged that the performance of the Sri Lanka cricket team in the Asia Cup final match was suspicious !! (Social Media Users, 2023-09-21)
Evidence (2022-09-11): 'Sri Lanka cannot be taken easy': Wasim Akram picks his favourites ahead of Asia Cup 2022 final As the Asia Cup final inches closer, former Pakistan superstar Wasim Akram reveals who he believes will lift the trophy between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. [...] Although Akram admitted that The Shaheens would enter the final as the favourites to outperform the Sri Lankans and lay claim to the title of Asia Cup champions, he admitted that it may not be as easy as one would like it to be.
Claim: Wasim Akram alleged that the performance of the Sri Lanka cricket team in the Asia Cup final match was suspicious !! (Social Media Users, 2023-09-21)
Evidence (2020-11-20): The peerless Wasim Akram revisited his career-defining moments in an interview with Phil Walker. [...] Player of the Match ✅Happy birthday to @wasimakramlive, who inspired 🇵🇰 to 1992 World Cup glory! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/TgWHhvYP3i — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 3, 2018
Claim: Wasim Akram alleged that the performance of the Sri Lanka cricket team in the Asia Cup final match was suspicious !! (Social Media Users, 2023-09-21)
Evidence (2016-12-03): Wasim Akram tips Sri Lanka quicks to thrive Legendary Pakistan paceman Wasim Akram believes Sri Lanka have a promising crop of fast bowlers, despite their traditional reliance on spin. [...] Sri Lanka Cricket Chief Thilanga Sumathipala said they invited Wasim to mentor local players in the next two years and visit the island at least twice a year.
Claim: Wasim Akram alleged that the performance of the Sri Lanka cricket team in the Asia Cup final match was suspicious !! (Social Media Users, 2023-09-21)
Evidence (2024-08-30): Early days [edit]In the 1984–85 Rothmans Four-Nations Cup and the 1985–86 Rothmans Sharjah Cup, Akram took five wickets with a run rate of less than 3.50. The 1985–1986 Austral-Asia Cup involved Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and was played in Sharjah, UAE. Akram, with the help of Abdul Qadir, bowled out New Zealand's batting line-up for 64 in the second semi-final of the cup. Pakistan won that game with more than 27 overs to spare, obtaining one of the biggest wins in Pakistani history. In the final against India, he and Imran Khan shared five wickets. Akram's wickets included Dilip Vengsarkar and Ravi Shastri.[citation needed] [...] This commission feels that all is not well here and that Wasim Akram is not above board. He has not co-operated with this Commission. It is only by giving Wasim Akram the benefit of the doubt after Ata-ur-Rehman changed his testimony in suspicious circumstances that he has not been found guilty of match-fixing. He cannot be said to be above suspicion.
Claim: Wasim Akram alleged that the performance of the Sri Lanka cricket team in the Asia Cup final match was suspicious !! (Social Media Users, 2023-09-21)
Evidence (2023-09-21): Fake Statements Attributed to Wasim Akram Related to Sri Lanka’s Dismal Performance in the Asia Cup Finals! [...] Viral social media posts claimed that the former Pakistani cricketer and current cricket commentator Wasim Akram alleged that the performance of the Sri Lanka cricket team in the Asia Cup final match was suspicious, implying that a match-fixing arrangement could have happened. [...] Title:Fake Statements Attributed to Wasim Akram Related to Sri Lanka’s Dismal Performance in the Asia Cup Finals!
Claim: Wasim Akram alleged that the performance of the Sri Lanka cricket team in the Asia Cup final match was suspicious !! (Social Media Users, 2023-09-21)
Evidence (2015-02-16): The same was the case in the match against Sri Lanka, which slowed down the game. I went to Sharjah for a couple of days and confronted Haroon Rashid with these mistakes. His answer was that if the captain was unwilling to win the match, what could the coach do? Akram had not played during the entire summer season due to a shoulder operation. Prior to the tournament he had played only one Test. Against South Africa in which Azhar Mahmood had scored lots of runs he had failed. But Akram batted ahead of Azhar. [...] During the lunch break, Intikhab Alam called a meeting of the players and almost abused them by saying that it was common talk Pakistan was likely to lose the match. In the Singer trophy in Sri Lanka we lost the match against Australia. In that match Australia scored 166 runs. At one stage Pakistan was 80 for one but thereafter there was a sudden batting collapse. In the dressing room, when I was sitting behind Akram, he received a telephone call and I heard him saying to somebody that "he did not know". Intikhab admonished Akram as to why he was using his mobile in the dressing room when he was not allowed to do so. Then three players had mobile phones, Malik, Akram and Waqar. In Sri Lanka we were free for 10 days. As there was no match during that period I and Salim Malik came to Pakistan. I remember that I had arranged for his return visa to Sri Lanka and I am sure that the flight he took was for Lahore and not Islamabad.
Claim: Wasim Akram alleged that the performance of the Sri Lanka cricket team in the Asia Cup final match was suspicious !! (Social Media Users, 2023-09-21)
Evidence (2022-08-12): West Brom would certainly be no pushovers. Taking strike was Wagh, who would retire with 12,455 first-class runs. His opening partner Mike Rindel had played 22 ODIs for South Africa, scoring a hundred against Pakistan, Wasim and Waqar included, in one - a final in Johannesburg, pinpointed by Qayyum as one of eight key suspicious games, before which an irate Latif had the Pakistan team swear on the Koran that they weren't involved in fixing, after Saleem Malik had unilaterally u-turned on strategy at the toss. At No. 4 was Bedfordshire batter Richard Dalton, good enough two years earlier to crash a 59-ball 76 against Derbyshire for Minor Counties, and 69 from 47 against Worcestershire. Nine overs into West Brom's reply, however, they were all back in the shed, courtesy of Akram: one bounced out, the other two comprehensively bowled. "Rindel creamed one through the covers for four off Wasim," recalls McDonald, "cracking shot, and you just saw something switch in [Akram]. He really let the reins off. That little spell was absolutely electric to watch."
Claim: Wasim Akram alleged that the performance of the Sri Lanka cricket team in the Asia Cup final match was suspicious !! (Social Media Users, 2023-09-21)
Evidence (2024-06-09): Dubai, Sep 12 (Ians) Several top cricketers from across the world, including former greats from Pakistan, congratulated Sri Lanka for their amazing victory in the Asia Cup final against Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday night. Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram said Sri Lanka came into the final with the mind-set that they had to clinch the trophy. A collective impressive performance by Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga and Pramod Madushan led Sri Lanka to the title with a clinical 23-run win. This is Sri Lanka’s sixth Asia Cup title — 1986, 1997, 2004, 2008, 2014 and 2022. After losing their opening game against Afghanistan, Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and then again Pakistan to clinch the 2022 Asia Cup.
Claim: Wasim Akram alleged that the performance of the Sri Lanka cricket team in the Asia Cup final match was suspicious !! (Social Media Users, 2023-09-21)
Evidence (1999-05-31): SOUTHAMPTON, May 30 (PTI) Sri Lanka ended their unsuccessful title defence with a consolation win, beating minnows Kenya by 45 runs in an inconsequential World Cup group "A" match here today. [...] Pakistani skipper Wasim Akram protested vociferously, saying the Australians were trying to gain an unfair advantage by getting a ball introduced which would swing less. [...] Though the top order batsmen have not played up to their potential, Akram is not unduly worried.
Claim: Wasim Akram alleged that the performance of the Sri Lanka cricket team in the Asia Cup final match was suspicious !! (Social Media Users, 2023-09-21)
Evidence (2022-09-05): Ahead of the Asia Cup, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram in a chat with Star Sports said that while the Pakistan team has been on the rise for the past couple of years, it was the ruthless 10-wicket win against India at the T20 World Cup that instilled in them the confidence of competing with India day in, day out. Post their performances in Asia Cup that resulted in two absolute thrillers, it seems the statement is validated. [...] The kind of cricket the India-Pakistan contest has offered in the Asia Cup is truly turning out to be a sporting rivalry that is worth your time as a cricket follower, even if you take the convoluted histories between the two nations out of the equation.