Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has dismissed allegations of ball tampering made by former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq. Inzamam and fellow former Pakistan captain Saleem Malik had discussed instances of alleged ball tampering by Indian bowlers during a broadcast on Pakistan’s 24 News HD channel.
Responding to the allegations, Sharma said, “What answer will I give? It’s so hot here, plus the dry pitches. If it won’t reverse swing here, where will it? We aren’t playing in England or Australia. You know, sometimes it’s important to open your mind.” His comments came during a press interaction on the eve of India’s T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal against England in Guyana.
Watch Full Press Conference Video Here:The controversy arose after Inzamam specifically referenced Arshdeep Singh’s bowling performance against Australia on June 24, where signs of reverse swing were observed earlier than expected. Inzamam questioned how Indian bowlers managed to achieve reverse swing with a relatively new ball, which typically only happens with an older ball. “When Arshdeep Singh was bowling the 16th over, he was getting reverse swing. With a (relatively) new ball, is it too early to get reverse swing? Was the ball ready for reverse swing by the 12th or 13th over? Because when he came to bowl, the ball started reversing. Umpires ko aankhein khuli rakhni chahiye (the umpires should keep their eyes open),” Inzamam said during the broadcast.
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India had posted a formidable total of 205-5 in their 20 overs against Australia, thanks to captain Rohit Sharma’s blistering 92 off 41 balls and contributions from Suryakumar Yadav (31), Shivam Dube (28), and Hardik Pandya (27 not out). Australia’s bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc (2-45) and Marcus Stoinis (2-56), struggled to contain the Indian batsmen. Chasing 206, Australia managed 181-7 in their 20 overs. Travis Head top-scored with 76. Indian bowlers, particularly Arshdeep Singh, who took 3-37, and Kuldeep Yadav, who claimed 2-24, kept the Australian batsmen in check. Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel also chipped in with crucial wickets.
India’s all-round performance secured their place in the semi-finals against defending champions England at Providence Stadium in Guyana.
