Inzamam-ul-Haq Responds to Rohit Sharma’s ‘Use Brain’ Comment in Ball-Tampering Controversy

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has responded to Indian skipper Rohit Sharma’s suggestion that he should ‘use his brain’ amid a ball-tampering controversy.

The incident began when Inzamam noticed the ball reverse-swinging in the 15th over bowled by Arshdeep Singh during a Super 8 match against Australia in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. India won the match by 24 runs, but Inzamam claimed that there was ‘serious work done on the ball’. Rohit Sharma, however, explained that reverse-swing can naturally occur under sunny conditions.

The debate escalated, with Inzamam emphasizing that his main point was to urge umpires to be more vigilant. He also told Rohit not to lecture him on the subject.

“We will definitely use our brains, but the first thing is that Rohit admitted it’s happening, which means our observation was correct. Secondly, Rohit doesn’t need to explain reverse swing to us; we taught it to the world. It’s not right for him to say these things,” Inzamam said, as quoted by Pakistan’s 24 News HD. This was the same show where Inzamam initially made his claims.

“I only suggested to the umpires to keep their eyes open since the ball was moving in the 15th over, and I still stand by that. If the umpires also use their brains, it will be better for everyone involved,” Inzamam added.

Another former Pakistan cricketer, Salim Malik, supported Inzamam, claiming that similar wrongdoings occurred during his playing days.

On the other hand, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag felt that the reporter should not have escalated the matter into a controversy. Sehwag mentioned that he would have avoided making such a comment if he were in Rohit’s position.

Meanwhile, India has reached the finals of the T20 World Cup 2024 and will face South Africa on June 29 for the trophy in Barbados.

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