Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has pushed back against conspiracy theories regarding ball changes that circulated among former Pakistan cricketers during the ICC World Cup 2023.
Shami, the highest wicket-taker in the tournament, claimed 24 wickets in seven games with a remarkable average of 10.70.
He missed out on earlier games, however, he remained a mainstay of the Indian Playing XI after Hardik Pandya was injured during the match against Bangladesh.
Shami returned with two five-wicket hauls in the first three matches at the ICC World Cup 2023.
Amid India’s clash with Sri Lanka at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, where Shami dismantled Sri Lanka with figures of 5-18 from five overs, former Pakistani cricketer Hasan Raza voiced suspicions of ball changing on a Pakistan news channel.
He suggested that the balls provided to India might differ; potentially aiding them in generating more swing and seam.
“Here I feel like the ball is getting changed mid-innings the way it is behaving. Whether it is the ICC that is providing the balls, or the umpires panel, or the BCCI, there should be an inspection on it. I think the balls should be checked,” Raza said.
ICC Might Give Different Ball to Indian Bowlers thats why they are Getting Seam and Swing More Than Others.Ex Test Cricketer Hasan Raza.#CWC23 #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/7KCQoaz0Qs
— Hasnain Liaquat (@iHasnainLiaquat) November 2, 2023
Reacting to these comments, Mohammed Shami expressed dismay in an interview after the World Cup. He defended his performance, stating, “I wasn’t playing [initially]. When I played, I took a five-for, then a four-for in the next game, then another five-for. Now what can I do if a few Pakistan players can’t digest this fact?” said Shami.
“Because in their minds, they think they are the best. Best are those who perform at the right time. Those who work hard, perform, and stand up for the team, they are the best according to me.”
Mohammed Shami gave a hard reply to Pakistan. 🔥 https://t.co/IYOCJ9tuOh
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 22, 2023
Shami criticized the controversies surrounding alleged ball disparities, urging critics to refrain from baseless accusations like “You have been given a different coloured ball,” or “ICC has given you separate balls.”
Addressing the discourse, cricketing legend Wasim Akram also debunked the theories, condemning the shame brought onto Pakistan by such allegations.
Legendary pacer @wasimakramlive comments on #HasanRaza's statement on Indian bowlers, being given different balls to bowl.#ASportsHD #ARYZAP #CWC23 #ThePavilion #ShoaibMalik #MoinKhan #FakhreAlam #MisbahulHaq #AskThePavilion pic.twitter.com/uJ9YU9V745
— ASports (@asportstvpk) November 3, 2023
Shami praised Wasim Akram and highlighted his clarification, pointing out that despite explanations on ball selection, the comments persisted.
“The same thing was explained in an interview by Wasim [Akram] bhai. How balls arrive in a box, how they are chosen, which team chooses first. Even then!” said Shami.
“This would be understandable if you’re not a player who has played at this level. But you’re an ex-player. If you talk like this, I don’t think people will have anything else to say other than laughing at you. I accept that I might be a bit harsh, but I have to speak out for such things.”
He acknowledged being direct but stressed the importance of speaking out against baseless assertions.
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