Moeen Ali claims 2017 Champions Trophy final was rigged

Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali claimed that organisers of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy conspired to set up an India-Pakistan final. He said England played Pakistan on a used, slow wicket in Cardiff while India faced Bangladesh on a fresh pitch.

Moeen said England were still the better side on that surface but the conditions reduced their chances. Pakistan won the semi-final by eight wickets after bowling England out for 211. India defeated Bangladesh by nine wickets to reach the final, which Pakistan won.

Pakistan leg-spinner Shadab Khan, who was part of the 2017 squad, admitted on a YouTube show that the pitch for the England-Pakistan semi-final was used while India's was fresh.