Fast bowler Mohammed Shami expressed his surprise and disbelief at former Pakistan cricketer Hasan Raza’s accusation that India used a different set of balls at the World Cup to gain an advantage. Shami, who dismissed the claims, questioned how a former player with experience at the highest level could make such allegations.
Hasan Raza had suggested on a Pakistan television show that the International Cricket Council (ICC) provided India with a unique set of balls to exploit conditions and pitches better than the other teams. Shami, responding to these comments on his social media page during the World Cup, highlighted the absurdity of such claims.
The cricket community largely dismissed Raza’s allegations as ridiculous. Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram also refuted the claims, explaining the standard process of ball allocation to teams and how bowlers can select them from a set carried by match officials.
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Shami, who initially sat out the first four World Cup games, showcased excellent form when he joined the playing XI, finishing with a remarkable 5-wicket haul against New Zealand in Dharamsala. He went on to take a total of 24 wickets in seven matches, including three 5-wicket hauls. Shami’s outstanding performance in the semi-final against New Zealand set a record for the best ODI bowling figures by an Indian, securing seven wickets.
Addressing the controversy, Shami stated that some Pakistan players seemed unable to accept his success, despite his strong performance. He emphasized that performance on the field determines greatness, not baseless controversies about the color or make of the cricket ball.
Shami acknowledged the hard work he put in behind the scenes to execute his plans successfully, making him the fastest bowler to reach 50 wickets in an ODI World Cup. He expressed his mantra of success, focusing on hard work, determination, and proper execution. Shami emphasized that he wouldn’t be jealous if other bowlers replicated his success, encouraging others to enjoy the achievements of fellow players.
In the World Cup 2023, Shami topped the bowling charts with 24 wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah closely followed with 20 wickets, and Ravindra Jadeja contributed 16 wickets as Indian bowlers excelled on the global stage.
