‘Eyes are kept shut for some teams’: India accused of ball-tampering against Australia

Former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq questions Arshdeep Singh's reverse swing in T20 World Cup match against Australia

Former Pakistani cricket captain Inzamam-ul-Haq raised concerns over Arshdeep Singh's ability to reverse swing the ball as early as the 15th over during India's victory over Australia in their final Super 8 Group 1 match of the T20 World Cup 2024.

Speaking on a talk show, Inzamam suggested that the umpires should be vigilant about such occurrences.

“Arshdeep Singh, when he was bowling the 15th over, the ball was reversing. Is it too early for reverse swing with the new ball? This means the ball was ready for reverse swing by the 12th or the 13th over. Umpires should keep their eyes open for these things,” Inzamam said.

Former teammate Salim Malik, who was banned from all cricket in 2000 for match-fixing, echoed similar thoughts.

Malik remarked, “Eyes are kept shut when it comes to some teams, and India is one of those teams. I remember in Zimbabwe, when Wasim Akram was bowling, he made it wet, and we all were surprised at it; as in how come one side was wet. When I complained, I was fined quite heavily.”

Inzamam further commented that if Pakistani bowlers had reversed the ball this early, it would have caused an uproar.

“If it was Pakistani bowlers, this would have been a big issue. We know reverse swing very well and if Arshdeep can come in the 15th over and start reversing the ball, it means some serious work had been done before.

“For reverse swing, Bumrah can do it because of his action, but for some bowlers, their action and speed require the ball to be in perfect condition and prepared well. It could be that the wicket was hard and rough, causing the ball to get scruffed up on one side, but these things have to be noticed,” Inzamam added.