Indian fast bowler Mohammad Shami has strongly reacted to former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq’s ball-tampering accusations, describing them as “cartoonish” and “disappointing.”
In an interview with Indian media, Shami said that Pakistan has never been pleased with them and never will be, and that any bowler performing well against Pakistan will be targeted.
He criticized Inzamam-ul-Haq’s claims made during the T20 World Cup, accusing him of misleading the Pakistani public.
Shami stated that if the Champions Trophy 2025 goes to Pakistan, he will bring three balls and demonstrate in front of 20 people that no devices are used, even breaking the balls to prove his point.
Shami also addressed accusations made during the 2023 ODI World Cup about using a device on the ball, calling such claims “childish.”
He expressed respect for Inzamam but said he did not expect such statements.
Shami pointed out that Pakistani bowlers had previously taught the world about reverse swing and suggested that Inzamam should recall past incidents of ball-tampering by his own bowlers.
Shami criticized the notion of using a device for swing bowling, calling it an attempt to deceive people.
He questioned what would happen if the device malfunctioned, noting that Inzamam-ul-Haq is known for introducing the art of reverse swing.
It should be noted that Inzamam-ul-Haq had alleged that during a match against Australia, Arshdeep Singh’s 15th over with reverse swing indicated tampering with the ball.