"Rohit Sharma has admitted it's happening" - Inzamam-ul-Haq fires back at India captain over ball-tampering controversy

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has extended his war of words with India captain Rohit Sharma by telling him not to teach him about reverse swing.

The Pakistan legend recently stirred a big controversy by alleging that India were manipulating the ball in order to extract reverse swing. His comments came after Arshdeep Singh troubled Australia with his reverse swing during the Super 8 game of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Inzamam-ul-Haq said that it was difficult for him to fathom that someone like Arshdeep could reverse swing the ball as early as in the 15th over.

Rohit Sharma was asked about Inzamam-ul-Haq's allegation when he was addressing the media before the semifinal clash against England earlier this week. In reply, the India skipper laughed off the allegations and also urged the former cricketer to open his mind before making such bizarre and unwarranted claims. The India skipper had also explained the reason behind the ball reversing in Caribbean conditions.

Inzamam-ul-Haq hits back at Rohit Sharma:

A couple of days after Rohit Sharma asked Inzamam-ul-Haq to open his mind, the latter has hit back at the India superstar. Speaking on a Pakistani news channel, Inzamam began by saying that he would definitely open his mind before highlighting that Rohit had admitted that the ball was indeed reversing. Inzamam also reminded Rohit that reverse swing originated in Pakistan and he should not teach him about it.

"Dimag to hum zarur apna khole lenge," said Inzamam. First thing is that he (Rohit) has admitted that it's happening. So it means what we observed is correct.

Second thing, Rohit Sharma ko humein batane ki zarurat nahi padni chahiye ke reverse swing kis tarah hota hai, kitni dhoop mei hota hai, kis pitch pe hota hai. Jo sikhane wale hain unko nahi yeh cheez sikhaya karte (there is no need for Rohit to tell us how reverse swing happens, under how much sun, on what pitch; you don't teach something to someone who actually taught it to the world)," he added.

Speaking further, Inzamam clarified that he did not accuse India of ball tampering and just wanted the umpire to keep an eye on the ball.

"The reporter asked the wrong question. I gave a suggestion to the umpires, to keep their eyes open because the ball is reverse-swinging in the 15th over. Still my advise to the umpires is the same, keep your eyes open as well as your mind. He (Rohit) just talked about mind, I am saying keep both eyes and mind open," said Inzamam.

 

Inzamam ul Haq spitting facts. pic.twitter.com/T83GHYglrU

— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) June 28, 2024

Meanwhile, India, on Thursday (June 27), defeated England by 68 runs in the second semifinal to book their place in the final. They will be taking on South Africa in the title decider. India are eyeing their second T20 World Cup title and first since 2007. On the other hand, South Africa are eyeing their first-ever World Cup title in any format.