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Indian Punjab's Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has ordered the formation of a committee to investigate the controversial final match of the Kabaddi World Cup 2014 played between India and Pakistan.
The final, played between the arch rivals on Saturday, was mired in controversy when Pakistan captain Ahmed Shafiq alleged that the umpires had favoured India during the match.
Shafiq alleged that the umpires and organising committee misbehaved with the Pakistani players and threatened them.
“If India does not stop this injustice then Pakistan will no longer participate in the event in future,” he added.
Based on the protest by Pakistani players, DawnNews reported that Parkash Singh Badal took notice of the incident and formed a committee to prepare an inquiry report on the match's outcome.
After the formation of the committee, the departure of the Pakistani team from India has been also delayed.
Earlier during the match, Pakistan started brightly, taking a lead of 26-21 at the end of the first half. They maintained their lead until the third quarter, leading 31-27.
At the start of the fourth quarter, India tried to lessen Pakistan’s lead and as soon they gained a three-point lead the final hooter rang which Shafiq claims was before the stipulated time.
Shafiq said the umpire had shortened the game to let India win the title for a fifth time in succession at the Guru Gobind Singh Multipurpose Stadium.
“[Umpires] didn’t event allow us to have water and the third umpire also threatened us, asking us to get on quickly with the game,” Shafiq, who scored 15 points for Pakistan, told reporters.
“They ended the game prematurely,” he added, referring to the fact that the umpire ended the game as soon as India took the lead.
“We condemn the partiality of Indian sports authorities, who let their team enjoy other luxuries and even being allowed to rub greasy balms all over their bodies to make it harder for us to grapple them.”
