Indian fast bowler Mohammad Shami has responded to former legendary cricketer and captain Inzamam-ul-Haq's ball-tampering allegations during a local YouTube podcast interview.
During the interview, Shami addressed the claims made by the legendary Pakistani batsman regarding Arshdeep Singh's alleged ball-tampering during the T20 World Cup.
Shami said that if he "came for the Chapmpion Trophy," he would take along three balls with him and splice them open infront of '20 people' to porve there was no 'transitters' inside them.
Pakistan is hosting the Champions Trophy 2025. Indian cricket team's participation in the international cricket tournament is not confirmed since it is reportedly subject to clearance from the Narendra Modi-led government in New Delhi.
Shami also mentioned that he had faced similar allegations during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he was accused of using a device in the ball.
He expressed his surprise at such 'childish accusations' and noted his respect for Inzamam adding that he did not expect such statements from the Pakistani batsman.
Highlighting the contributions of Pakistani bowlers to the art of reverse swing, Shami reminded that it was Pakistani bowlers who taught the world this skill.
He suggested that Inzamam should recall past instances where Pakistani bowlers were involved in ball-tampering incidents.
Shami dismissed the notion of using devices for ball-tampering as absurd and accused people of trying to deceive the public. He acknowledged Inzamam's role in popularising reverse swing but criticised the recent allegations.
Previously, during an interview at the T20 World Cup 2024, Inzamam had questioned how Arshdeep was achieving reverse swinging with a relatively new ball in the 16th over against Australia, implying tampering.
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