Inzamam-ul-Haq accuses India of ball-tampering against Australia

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam ul Haq has made serious allegations against the Indian team following their final Super 8 clash in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Inzamam claimed that the ball began to reverse swing as early as the 15th over of the innings, bowled by pacer Arshdeep Singh, suggesting manipulation. Arshdeep, who has been a standout performer for India with 15 wickets in the tournament, ranks second among the leading wicket-takers.

“Arshdeep Singh was achieving reverse swing in the 15th over. Umpires need to be vigilant because for the ball to reverse swing so early, preparations would have begun by the 12th or 13th over,” Inzamam stated on News 24 Pakistan during a review of the India-Australia match. Former cricketer Saleem Malik, also on the panel, concurred with Inzamam’s observations.

“I say this because there would have been an outcry if it had been Pakistan. We understand what reverse swing entails. If someone like Arshdeep is achieving it by the 15th over, significant work has been done on the ball,” Inzamam continued. Malik added that he had advised Inzamam to monitor the close-in fielders for any irregularities, implying allegations of ball-tampering without directly stating it.

Inzamam further remarked that he would have accepted such swing if it came from Jasprit Bumrah due to his bowling action, but not from Arshdeep. Earlier in the tournament, former South Africa-USA cricketer Rusty Theron had accused Pakistan and Haris Rauf of foul play during their match against the hosts, resulting in Pakistan’s early exit from the competition after the group stage.

Arshdeep’s crucial wickets of Marcus Stoinis in the 15th over, followed by Tim David and Matthew Wade in the 18th over, ensured Australia fell short in their chase of 206 runs, allowing India to remain undefeated and advance to the semi-finals.