‘Rigged’: World Cup conspiracy theory erupts as India defeat USA

Social media users have floated a damning conspiracy theory after a cricket minnow was penalised in a key moment against a powerhouse.

Cricket fans are convinced the T20 Cricket World Cup is “rigged” after India were “given five free runs” against the United States.

The two sides collided in a crunch match on Thursday (AEST) which India won by seven wickets with 10 balls remaining.

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But it was a controversial moment earlier in the match that saw the US penalised under the new stop-clock rules.

The sanction has been introduced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in an effort to speed up play.

A team is penalised if after two warnings they still take more than a minute between overs.

And that’s what unfolded with the USA penalised at the start of the 16th over and instead of needing 35 runs off 30 balls to reach their 111-run target, India’s task became 30 off 30 deliveries instead.

India were too good for the USA. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)

While the sanction was in line with cricket rules and therefore correct, fans watching on were not happy and claimed the contest was rigged for the cricket powerhouse.

Former England star Liam Plunkett said: “That’s devastating for the USA. Five runs is massive in this game and on this pitch.”

One irate fan said: “Game is rigged for India I’m afraid.”

Another declared: “Lmao they rigged it for India.”

A third noted: “Refs just rigged it for India, gave them five free runs.”

A fourth added: “So rigged man.”

Team USA took it up to the cricket powerhouse. Robert Cianflone/Getty Images/AFP

Despite the penalty, USA coach and former Australian cricketer David Law said the five-run sanction would not have impacted the outcome of the Group A clash.

“Five runs wasn’t going to affect the outcome of the game,” added Law.

“The players know the rule, but it’s something that if you haven’t played with it for a long time, it’s very difficult to have it embedded in your brain.”

Despite the defeat, the United States will still qualify for the second round with a win or even a no-result in their final group game against Ireland on Friday.

The win for India books their place in the Super Eights stage, joining Australia and South Africa.