T20 World Cup Controversy: Inzamam Responds To Rohit Sharma's Ball-Tampering Dismissal

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has reacted strongly to Rohit Sharma's comments amid ball-tampering allegations during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. The controversy started when Inzamam noticed an unusual reverse swing in the 15th over bowled by Arshdeep Singh against Australia during a Super 8 match.

After India's 24-run win, Inzamam claimed that "serious work was done on the ball." Rohit Sharma dismissed these allegations, suggesting Inzamam should "use his brain" to understand the nuances of reverse swing under sunny conditions.

Inzamam did not take kindly to Rohit's response and retorted, "We shall definitely use our brains but the first thing is that he (Rohit) admitted that it's happening. So it means what we observed is correct. Secondly, Rohit does not need to tell us how reverse swing works, under how much sun, on what pitch; you don't teach something to someone who actually taught it to the world. Tell him it's not right to say these things," Pakistan's 24 News HD quoted Inzamam as saying.

The former Pakistan captain clarified that his intention was to alert the umpires to be more vigilant. "I had only given suggestions to the umpires, that keep your eyes open since the ball was moving around in the 15th over, and I still maintain my stance. I would again say to them 'Keep your eyes open'. What's happening? If the umpires too use their brain, it will be better for everyone involved," Inzamam added.

Inzamam's claims were also supported by his fellow panelist and former Pakistan cricketer, Salim Malik, who mentioned witnessing similar wrongdoings during his playing days.

Virender Sehwag's Advice

However, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag advised against escalating the controversy. Sehwag opined that there was no need for the reporter to fuel the issue, and he himself would have refrained from making such comments if he were in Rohit's position.

As this debate continues, India has reached the finals of the T20 World Cup 2024 and is set to play against South Africa on June 29 for the trophy at Barbados.