Inzamam Ul Haq raises ball-tampering allegations against Team India and says ‘referees should keep their eyes open…’

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam ul Haq has leveled allegations of ball tampering against Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh, who produced an incredible bowling performance of 3/37 during the ICC T20 World Cup Super Eights match against Australia. During a talk show, Inzamam wondered how Arshdeep could swing the ball in the 16th over while defending the target.

Motif-wise, Arshdeep was the highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 15 scalps in six matches at an average of 11.86 and an economy rate of 7.41. He is tied for the most wickets in the competition with Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi.

“Arshdeep Singh when he bowled the 15th over, the ball turned over. Is it too early (for a reverse swing) with the new ball? This means the ball was ready for a reverse swing by the 12th or the 13th over. Umpires should keep their eyes open (to spot this kind of thing),” Inzamam said during a talk show.

During the show, Inzamam’s former teammate Salim Malik agreed with him and said that when it comes to certain teams, eyes remain closed.

“Inzy, I always say this: there are some teams that turn a blind eye, and India is one of those teams. I remember Wasim (Akram) was bowling in Zimbabwe and he got it wet, and we were all surprised; like how did one side get wet, and when I complained, I got a pretty heavy fine,” Malik said.

Inzamam also said that if it had been a Pakistani bowler, there would have been a lot of fuss.

“If they were Pakistani bowlers (reverse swinging the ball) this would have been a big problem (shor mach jaata). We know reverse swing very well and if Arshdeep can come in the 15th over and start reversing the ball, it means that serious work has been done.

“Because for reverse swing… look, Bumrah can do it, because of his action; but for some bowlers the ball must be in perfect condition in terms of action and speed and well prepared (to go backwards). It could be that the wicket was hard and rough, that could be the reason (the ball gets damaged on one side), but these things should be noted”.