(AFP Photo)
Pakistan cricket legend Inzamam-ul-Haq clarified that he did not accuse India of resorting to ‘ball-tampering’ to achieve reverse swing in the T20 World Cup 2024. However, he appeared displeased with India captain Rohit Sharma’s response to his query about Arshdeep Singh’s early success with reverse swing during India’s Super 8 match against Australia in the tournament.
When questioned about Inzamam’s remarks, Rohit Sharma attributed the phenomenon to the hot weather and dry pitch conditions prevailing in the Caribbean, suggesting that similar benefits were being enjoyed by other teams as well.
“What should I say now about this? You are playing in such hot sun, the wicket is so dry, the ball reverses automatically. It’s happening for all the teams, not only ours. All the teams are reverse-swinging.” Rohit had said.
Nevertheless, Rohit’s suggestion to “keep an open mind and grasp the conditions” appears to have provoked irritation in Inzamam.
“Sometimes, it’s important to open your mind. “It’s important to understand what conditions you’re playing in. The match is not taking place in England or Australia,” Rohit had said.
During a television appearance, the ex-Pakistan captain remarked that Rohit should avoid lecturing those who are credited with pioneering the art of reverse swing.
“Dimag to hum zarur apna khole lenge (Surely, we will have our minds open),” said Inzamam. “Pehli baat to ye ki isne ye kaha hai ki reverse swing ho raha hai. Dusri cheej ye ki Rohit Sharma ko humein batane ki zarurat nahi padni chahiye ke reverse swing kis tarah hota hai, kitni dhoop mei hota hai, kis pitch pe hota hai. Jo sikhane wale hain unko nahi yeh cheez sikhaya karte (First, he did admit that the ball is reverse swinging which means we were right. Secondly, there’s no need for Rohit to teach us why the ball reverses because we are the one who taught this to the world in first place).”
“The reporter wrongly asked Rohit that I claimed they are tampering with the ball. All I said was that the umpires should keep their eyes open because the ball is reversing in the 15th over,” Inzamam said.
