New Delhi: Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali minced no words in criticizing Mohammed Shami after the Indian pacer’s ‘cartoonish’ remark on Inzamam-ul-Haq. Shami blasted the former Pakistan captain after Inzamam accused the Indians of ball tampering as Arshdeep Singh got to reverse swing the ball early in the game in the T20 World Cup last month.
The incident took place during India’s Super 8 game against Australia when Arshdeep got reverse swing in the 15th over.
Reacting to Inzamam’s comments, Shami said, “It’s unexpected when a player of his stature makes such comments. Take these cartoonish comments somewhere else.” However, this irked the likes of Basit and Butt as they slammed Shami for his choice of words. Basit, who played 69 international matches for Pakistan, said he was deeply hurt by Shami’s choice of words against Inzamam. “When Shami talks about Inzi bhai and calls him a cartoon, that’s not right.
Inzamam has led this country and captained it. Shami, your choice of words isn’t good. We praise your bowling, but you should have chosen your words better. You didn’t pick your words well, and that hurt me,” Basit said. “If you think Inzi bhai said something wrong, say it nicely. Don’t call him a cartoon and all that. Have some respect. He’s a senior. You should respect your seniors.
“ If you don’t, cricket will make you cry 300 days out of 365 and only make you happy for 65 days. So, please don’t do this, it’s a personal request,” he added. Basit also urged Shami to use his words wisely at correct places and referred him as ‘behuda’.
“Be a bit more careful, you can’t just say anything anywhere. Whatever question is asked, you keep giving ‘behuda’ (indecent) answers. I’m using the right word, ‘behuda (indecent)’. Aapne behuda zabaan use kiya hai (You’ve used indecent language). Your elders probably never taught you this,” he said.
