Before the India vs England T20 World Cup semi-final, there was a significant controversy sparked by Pakistan cricket legend Inzamam ul Haq. He made a viral accusation targeting Indian pace bowler Arshdeep Singh, suggesting that Arshdeep was achieving reverse swing through suspicious means involving the ball. This implied an indirect allegation of ball tampering, a serious offence under ICC rules.

In an interview with a Pakistani news channel, Inzamam accused Arshdeep Singh and the Indian team of altering the ball, leading to Arshdeep achieving reverse swing during his second spell. He questioned whether it was unusual for the ball to start reverse swinging as early as the 15th over, suggesting that the ball seemed prepared for reverse swing by the 12th-13th over. Inzamam emphasized the need for umpires to be vigilant in such situations.

Inzamam additionally commented that if Pakistani bowlers had achieved similar reverse swing, it would have caused a significant uproar. He mentioned Pakistan’s expertise in achieving effective reverse swing, contrasting it with Arshdeep’s ability to achieve reverse swing in the 15th over, suggesting meticulous preparation of the ball had occurred.

He pointed out that when bowlers like Bumrah achieve reverse swing, it’s understandable due to their specific bowling actions or speeds. However, when it happens with others who don’t typically generate reverse swing, it indicates that special preparation of the ball has been undertaken.

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In the pre-match media interaction, Rohit Sharma dismissed Inzamam’s comments and advised the former cricketer to keep an open mind.

Inzamam ul haq “Dimag ko kholo Bhikhari”
ROHIT SHARMA 🇮🇳🐐
“IND vs ENG”#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/ZM2K1EVCVo

— Areeba Khan اریبہ خان🇮🇳 (@Areebakhan1325) June 26, 2024

Rohit Sharma responded by highlighting the conditions of the pitches, emphasizing that the dry wickets in sunny weather. He said, “”Abhi kya jawab du iska mein bhai (what answer should I give, brother). Wickets are so dry (here) as you are playing in a sunny weather. All teams are getting reverse (swing). Sometimes dimaag ko kholna zaroori hai (Need to open your mind). You need to understand what the conditions are. This is not Australia or England. That’s what I will say,”

India secured a 24-run victory over 2021 T20 World Cup champions Australia in Gros Islet, setting up a semifinal clash against England. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh played a crucial role by taking three wickets to disrupt Australia’s chase of India’s total of 205 runs.

Australia seemed competitive, needing 81 runs off eight overs with eight wickets in hand. However, they faltered during Arshdeep’s second spell, where he claimed two wickets in the 16th and 18th overs, which significantly impacted Australia’s pursuit of the target.

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