I Have Bowled The Fastest Ball In World Cricket But I Was Discriminated And Sidelined: Ex- Pakistan Pacer Mohammad Sami

Former Pakistan paceman Mohammad Sami has accused the International Cricket Council (ICC) of discrimination for not recognizing two of his fastest deliveries in top-level cricket. Mohammad Sami was arguably one of the promising fast bowlers produced for Pakistan; however, could not be consistent enough to have a long career. The right-arm speedster claimed to have crossed the 100mph twice but never got credited by the ICC.

Mohammad Sami had clocked 162.3 kph in an ODI against India in 2004 which Sourav Ganguly treated by slamming it through the cover region for a boundary. In yet another instance against India, the 39-year old touched 164 kph (101.9 mph) while bowling to Rahul Dravid. Nevertheless, due to faulty speed measurements on the speed meter, the speed could not be recorded.

In an exclusive interview with Pakistani news channel Samma TV, Mohammad Sami spoke about facing discrimination since he belonged to Karachi. Sami also opened up on an instance when he took three wickets in four overs in a Test match; however, bearing in mind he was from Karachi, the captain changed his spell.

“I bowled 100 MPH twice in Int’l cricket but they didn’t recognise it because I’m Karachite, I took 3 wickets in 4 overs but they changed my spell because I’m Karachite, Test cricketer Muhammad Sami lashes out,” Sami stated.

Mohammad Sami snapped 227 wickets in his international career:

Mohammad Sami made his first international appearance back in 2001 and his pace was an attraction. The 39-year old remained in line to be one of the brightest prospects in Pakistan cricket; however, inconsistent performances forced him out of the team. Sami featured in 36 Tests, 87 ODIs, and 13 T20Is, snaring 227 scalps. He played his last game for the national team back in 2016.

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