Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali did not take kindly to Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami for his comments on Inzamam-ul-Haq. He said that the fast bowler’s choice of words was not right as he always uses indecent words when asked about the Pakistani cricketer.
India fast bowler Mohammed Shami has not been kind to former Pakistan cricketers. During the ICC World Cup 2023, when some of the country’s former cricketers questioned his bowling ability, he responded strongly at the time and did not take a step back.
During the 2023 ICC World Cup, Mohammed Shami was accused of using a modified ball with an embedded chip. And in the recently concluded 2024 T20 World Cup, another allegation was levelled against Indian national team cricketer Arshdeep Singh by Inzamam-ul-Haq.
Inzamam-ul-Haq accused India of ball tampering, highlighting how Arshdeep Singh’s ball was receiving reverse swing in the 15th over. Mohammed Shami also responded to this, calling such claims “cartoonish” and accusing Inzamam of trying to mislead the public.
Following Mohammed Shami’s harsh responses to Inzamam-ul-Haq, Basit Ali was not lenient towards the Indian fast bowler. He said that the fast bowler’s words were not harsh as Inzamam has been the captain of the Pakistan team and he should learn to respect the veterans. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, he explained:
“When Shami talks about Inzi bhai and calls him a caricature, that is not right. Inzamam has led this country and captained it. Shami, your choice of words is not good. We praise your bowling ability but you should have chosen your words better. You did not choose your words well and that hurt me.”
“If you think Inzi bhai said something wrong, then say it nicely. Don’t call him a caricature and all that. Have some respect. He is a superior. You have to respect your superiors. If you don’t, cricket will make you cry for 300 days out of 365 and will make you happy only for 65 days. So please don’t do it, it’s a personal request.”
Your elders probably never taught you this – Basit Ali on Mohammed Shami
Basit Ali has lashed out at Mohammed Shami and said that his elders did not teach him to respect elders. He added:
“Whatever question you are asked, you always reply with foul language. I am using the correct word – foul. Aapne behuda zabaan use kiya hai (you have used foul language). Your elders probably never taught you this.”
Mohammed Shami underwent Achilles tendon surgery earlier this year. The fast bowler has not played cricket since the ICC World Cup 2023. He was the leading wicket-taker in the tournament and helped India reach the final. After the tournament, he missed many cricket matches including the Indian Premier League and the 2024 T20 World Cup. The fast bowler has resumed playing at the National Cricket Academy and is likely to make a comeback through the Bangladesh Test series, which will be played at home later this year.
