Mohammed Shami has publicly defended his Indian teammate Arshdeep Singh against allegations of ball tampering made by former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq. The accusations surfaced during a podcast hosted by Shubhankar Mishra, where Inzamam suggested that Arshdeep was engaged in dubious practices during the T20 World Cup 2024.

Inzamam-ul-Haq’s allegations on Arshdeep Singh

Inzamam, a celebrated figure in cricket, raised eyebrows when he claimed that Arshdeep was manipulating the ball to achieve a reverse swing during a critical moment in the T20 World Cup match. He specifically pointed to the 15th over, suggesting that the Indian pacer was using illicit methods to enhance his bowling performance. This assertion has not only stirred controversy but also sparked a heated response from Shami, who felt compelled to address the claims directly.

Mohammed Shami’s burning reply

In a robust rebuttal, Shami dismissed Inzamam’s comments as “cartoongiri,” a term he used to describe what he perceives as trivial and unfounded accusations. He emphasized that such remarks are detrimental to the sport and undermine the integrity of players.

Shami stated, “I don’t expect that despite being ex-players you can say such thing. Even Wasim Akram said how umpires give you the ball and it is not possible to plant any device in it. This type of cartoongiri is not good. These statements are there to fool people.”

Here’s the video:

Shami further urged former cricketers to refrain from making unfounded claims that could mislead the public and tarnish players’ reputations. He expressed concern that such accusations could distract from the game and create unnecessary tension between rival teams.

“I have said in an interview that I will cut the ball and show if there is a device or not. Abhi ek aur namuna khod ke dia hai inhone. They said, ‘How can Arshdeep Singh get reverse swing?’ I want to say only one thing to Inzamam bhai. I respect him a lot. If you do the same thing, isn’t it ball-tampering? Those who do well against them, will be their target. India and Pakistan are arch-rivals. We should focus on cricket and not indulge in these kinds of baseless allegations,” Shami added, reinforcing his stance on maintaining sportsmanship and respect among players.

Also WATCH: Arshdeep Singh receives heartening welcome from fans in Mohali after T20 World Cup win

The impact of accusations

Accusations of ball tampering are serious and can have significant repercussions for players and teams involved. The integrity of the game is paramount, and any suggestion of wrongdoing can lead to investigations and disciplinary actions.

Cricket analysts and fans alike have weighed in on the controversy, with many supporting Shami’s call for accountability and respect. The cricketing community has largely rallied behind the idea that players should be allowed to perform without the shadow of suspicion hanging over them, particularly when such allegations are not substantiated by evidence.

Also WATCH: Mohammed Shami refines his bowling skills in the nets after his injury