Islamabad: Former Pakistan captain Inzamam ul Haq sparked controversy by alleging ball-tampering against Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh, who delivered a match-winning performance of 3/37 during the ICC T20 World Cup Super Eights clash against Australia. In a viral clip from a Pakistani news channel talk show, Inzamam questioned how Arshdeep managed to achieve reverse swing in the 16th over while defending the target.

Arshdeep Singh has been exceptional in the ongoing T20 World Cup, emerging as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 15 scalps in six games at an impressive average of 11.86 and an economy rate of 7.41. His standout performance includes best figures of 4/9, placing him alongside Afghanistan's Fazalhaq Farooqi for the most wickets in the tournament.

During the talk show, Inzamam remarked, "When Arshdeep Singh was bowling in the 16th over, the ball was reversing. Is it possible for reverse swing to occur so early with a relatively new ball? This suggests that the ball was prepared for reverse swing as early as the 12th or 13th over. Umpires should be vigilant and observe these things."

Inzamam's former teammate Salim Malik also joined in, accusing the International Cricket Council (ICC) of turning a blind eye to certain teams. "Inzy, I always say this, ICC keeps their eyes shut when it comes to some teams, and India is one of those teams," Malik alleged, recalling an incident involving Wasim Akram in Zimbabwe where he was fined for tampering allegations.

Continuing his criticism, Inzamam emphasised the potential outcry if Pakistani bowlers had achieved similar reverse swing early in a match. "If Pakistani bowlers had done this, it would have been a big issue. We are familiar with reverse swing, and if Arshdeep can reverse the ball in the 15th (16th) over, it indicates serious tampering before," he asserted.

India's victory over Australia saw them post 205/5 with Rohit Sharma's 92 and restrict Australia to 181/7 despite Travis Head's aggressive 76. The loss meant Australia's elimination from the tournament after just one win and two losses in the Super Eights, including a defeat to Afghanistan. India now prepares to face England in the semifinals at Guyana on Thursday. ANI