Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign may not have gone according to plan, but the team continues to be a source of discussion, albeit for less-than-ideal reasons. Former Pakistani cricketers have been critical of the team’s performance and have also targeted the Indian team with accusations.
Adding to this conversation is Inzamam ul Haq, a respected figure in Pakistan cricket and one of the finest batters of his era. Inzamam, who previously served as chief selector for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), raised questions about Arshdeep Singh‘s bowling during India‘s final Super 8 Group 1 match against Australia.
Inzamam Raises Concerns About Early Reverse Swing
Speaking on a talk show, Inzamam-ul-Haq focused on Arshdeep Singh’s bowling in the 15th over of the match. “Arshdeep Singh when he was bowling the 15th over, the ball was reversing,” Haq said. “Is it too early (for reverse swing) with the new ball? This means the ball was ready for reverse swing by the 12th or the 13th over. Umpires should keep their eyes open (to spot) these things.”
Inzamam’s comments were echoed by his former teammate, Salim Malik, who has a more checkered past in cricket. Malik, who was the first player to be banned for match-fixing, chimed in stating that some teams seem to get preferential treatment from umpires. “Inzy, I always say this, eyes are kept shut when it comes to some teams, and India is one of those teams,” Malik said.
Inzamam Questions Potential Ball Tampering
Inzamam-ul-Haq further suggested that if a Pakistani bowler had managed to achieve reverse swing so early in the innings, it would have caused a stir. “If it was Pakistani bowlers (reverse swinging the ball) this would have been a big issue (shor mach jaata),” Haq said. “We know reverse swing very well and if Arshdeep can come in the 15th over and start reversing the ball, it means some serious work had been done before.”
Inzamam elaborated on the factors that typically contribute to reverse swing, acknowledging bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah who can achieve it due to their bowling action. However, for bowlers with different styles, the ball needs to be in a specific condition for reverse swing to occur. “Because for reverse swing…look Bumrah can do it, because of his action; but for some bowlers – their action and their speed, the ball has to be in that perfection condition and prepared well (to reverse),” Inzamam explained. While acknowledging the possibility of a hard wicket causing the ball to scuff, Inzamam emphasised the need for umpires to be vigilant.
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