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Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali did not hold back in his criticism of India’s Mohammed Shami following Shami’s remarks about Inzamam-ul-Haq. Ali denounced Shami’s language as inappropriate, citing a pattern of disrespect whenever questions arose about the Pakistani cricketer.
Mohammed Shami has been known for his uncompromising responses to former Pakistan cricketers who have scrutinized his bowling, notably during the ICC World Cup 2023. He has consistently defended his performance and has not shied away from confronting criticism head-on.
During the ICC World Cup 2023, allegations surfaced against Mohammed Shami, suggesting he used a ball with a hidden chip. Recently, during the T20 World Cup 2024, Inzamam-ul-Haq accused India’s pacer Arshdeep Singh of ball tampering. Specifically, he pointed out the reverse swing on Singh’s deliveries in the 15th over. Shami swiftly dismissed these claims, labeling them as “cartoonish” and accusing Inzamam of misleading the public with unfounded accusations.
In response to Mohammed Shami’s straightforward rebuttals aimed at Inzamam-ul-Haq, Basit Ali delivered a critical assessment of the Indian pacer. Ali remarked in a video on his YouTube channel that Shami’s remarks lacked tact, particularly noting Inzamam’s tenure as captain of the Pakistan team. Ali emphasized the importance of showing respect towards senior figures in cricket, implying that Shami’s responses fell short of this expectation.
“When Shami talks about Inzi bhai and calls him a cartoon, that’s not right. Inzamam has led this country and captained it. Shami, your choice of words isn’t good. We praise your bowling, but you should have chosen your words better. You didn’t pick your words well, and that hurt me,”
“If you think Inzi bhai said something wrong, say it nicely. Don’t call him a cartoon and all that. Have some respect. He’s a senior. You should respect your seniors. If you don’t, cricket will make you cry 300 days out of 365 and only make you happy for 65 days. So, please don’t do that it’s a personal request.”
Basit Ali strongly criticized Mohammed Shami, suggesting that he lacked the upbringing to show proper respect towards senior figures in cricket.
“Whatever question is asked, you keep giving ‘behuda’ (indecent) answers. I’m using the right word, ‘behuda (indecent). Aapne behuda zabaan use kiya hai (You’ve used indecent language). Your elders probably never taught you this.”
Mohammed Shami underwent Achilles tendon surgery earlier this year, which has kept him out of action since the ICC World Cup 2023. Despite being the tournament’s leading wicket-taker and instrumental in India’s journey to the final, he has missed significant cricketing events like the Indian Premier League and the T20 World Cup 2024 during his recovery.
Shami has now resumed bowling at the National Cricket Academy and is targeting a comeback during the upcoming Bangladesh Test series scheduled to be held in India later this year.
