Star Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has opened up on the allegations levelled by former Pakistan cricketer Hasan Raza during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Speaking with the media, Raza had claimed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) had given a different set of balls to the Indian players, favouring the hosts in the showpiece event. His remarks came after Shami, who was benched for the first four games, wreaked havoc on his return against New Zealand in Dharamsala. He started his campaign with a 5-wicket haul against the Kiwis and went on to scalp 23 wickets in the tournament.
Raza’s remarks had left several former cricketers dumbstruck, with legendary Wasim Akram ridiculing the comment and explaining how the teams pick the balls before the start of play.
Shami, who ended the World Cup 2023 as the highest wicket-taker, has finally responded to the entire episode. In an interview with Puma India, Shami said he reaped the results of his hard work behind the scenes and his success hurt a ‘few Pakistani cricketers’.
“It’s all about hitting the right target. If you are not doing it correctly, don’t even hope for positive results. I’m not blaming anyone. Instead, I pray for others to perform like this. I’m never jealous of anyone. You will be a better cricketer if you enjoy others’ success. So, I don’t do anything special. It’s all that almighty gives me," Shami said in the interview.
“I was benched for the first few matches and when I started playing, I picked up a 5-fer, then grabbed four wickets in the next game and another five-wicket haul thereafter. But kuch Pakistan ke players ko ye baat hazam nahi hui. (A few Pakistani players couldn’t digest my success)," he added.
Although Shami didn’t take Raza’s name during the conversation, he expressed his disbelief asking how a former player could make such remarks.
“They think they are the best. In my opinion, the one who performs on time. The one who works hard and stands with the team. But you keep on creating controversies that we are getting a different-coloured ball, manufactured by a different company or the ICC has given you some other type of ball. Sudhar jao yaar," Shami insisted.
“The same thing was explained by Wasim [Akram] on a talk show about how the balls are being picked by the teams before the start of play. It’s still understandable if you aren’t a player or haven’t played at the highest level and making such comments.
“But despite being an ex-player, you are saying such things then people can only laugh at you," he added.
Earlier this month, Shami shared a post on his Instagram story and lashed out at Raza for his bizarre comments.
“Sharam karo yaar game par focus karo na ki faltu bakwas par kabi to dusre ki success ko enjoy kia karo chii yar. ICC World Cup hai apk local tournament nahi hai or Ap player hi the na (Have some shame, focus on the game and not on rubbish statements. Enjoy someone else’s success, rubbish, this is the ICC World Cup not your local tournament).
“Wasim bhai ne samjhaya hai explain kia tha phir bhi. hahahahaha. Apne player apne Wasim Akram par yakhin nahi apko. Apna tarif karne mein lage hai janab apto just like a wow (Wasim Akram had explained even then. At least trust your own player, trust your Wasim Akram. You are busy praising your own self)," Shami posted on his Instagram story.
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