Ali, speaking on his YouTube channel, expressed his disapproval of Shami’s choice of words, describing them as ‘behuda’ (indecent) and disrespectful.
“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,” Ali 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 Ali’s retort to Mohammed Shami. Basit Ali
Shami had previously lambasted Inzamam’s claims that Team India was involved in ball-tampering during the T20 World Cup.
The 33-year-old also dismissed allegations from former Pakistani players that he used a modified ball with a chip embedded in it. Shami responded to these accusations with a blunt critique, calling such claims “cartoonish” and accusing Inzamam of attempting to deceive the public.
Ali, known for his candid opinions, was visibly upset by Shami’s remarks. He emphasized the need for respect towards senior players, asserting, “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.”
During the T20 World Cup that India went on to win, Inzamam questioned the timing of reverse swing deliveries by Indian bowler Arshdeep Singh in the Super Eight match against Australia, suggesting that the ball appeared to be prepared for reverse swing too early in the innings. The comment sparked Shami’s reaction, which Ali feels undermines the dignity of cricketing discourse.
“Arshdeep Singh, when he was bowling the 15th over, the ball was reversing. Is it too early (for reverse swing) with the new ball? This means the ball was ready for reverse swing by the 12th or the 13th over. Umpires should keep their eyes open (to spot) these things…If it was Pakistani bowlers (reverse swinging the ball) this would have been a big issue. We know reverse swing very well and if Arshdeep can come in the 15th over and start reversing the ball, it means some serious work had been done before,” Inzamam told a Pakistani news channel.
