“External factors” helped Pakistan reach final, claims Aamer Sohail

While speaking on a Pakistani news channel, Sohail created a storm by claiming that ODI skipper Sarfraz Ahmed and his boys have no reason to rejoice as the team has made it to the finals, not on the basis of its performance but through “external factors".

Sarfraz Ahmed (C) the captain of Pakistan on a lap of honour with his team after the side’s victory against England in the semi-final.

Former Pakistan cricket team opener Aamer Sohail has hit out against the national team which will play India in the Champions Trophy final on Sunday.

While speaking on a Pakistani news channel, Sohail created a storm by claiming that ODI skipper Sarfraz Ahmed and his boys have no reason to rejoice as the team has made it to the finals, not on the basis of its performance but through “external factors".

"Sarfraz needs to be told that you have not done anything great. Someone has helped you to win these matches. There is no reason for you (Sarfraz) to rejoice. We all know what happens behind the scenes. I can’t tell you who have won them the games. If asked, I will say that the prayers of the fans and God have won them the games. They have been brought to the final due to external factors and not on the basis of their performances,” Sohail said.

Sohail further warned the players to concentrate on their game and remain level-headed, otherwise they would not be able to survive.

"The boys now need to be level-headed and focussed on playing good cricket. We all are well aware of everyone’s calibre. If you do something wrong, then we will tell you about the same. If you do something correct, we will appreciate you. So, they should keep themselves level-headed, otherwise they would not be able to go much ahead,” said the former player.

Contrary to everyone’s expectations, Pakistan stunned favourite England by registering a resounding eight-wicket win to enter the finals of the ongoing Champions Trophy at the Sophia Gardens, Cardiff on Wednesday.

Chasing a paltry score of 212, Pakistan crossed the line for the loss of two wickets and 12.5 overs to spare.

"Nobody recognised us, nobody thought we’ll qualify for the final. Credit to the team and the team management for how we came back after the loss to India,” Sarfraz said after the win.

"After the first loss, we were very down. But the team management boosted us really well. After the India match, we just motivated the guys. We told them ‘don’t worry about the India match — this is gone, we have two matches; if we play good cricket, definitely we will win this tournament’. Now we are in the final. I’m very happy as a captain,” Sarfraz added.