'Your choice of words isn't good' - Basit Ali slams Mohammed Shami after pacer calls Inzamam-ul-Haq's comments 'cartoonish'

Star Indian pacer Mohammad Shami has found himself at the center of a heated controversy. Shami's recent comments regarding former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq have drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, including former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali.

The controversy stems from Inzamam-ul-Haq's allegations of ball tampering against Indian bowlers during recent ICC events. Inzamam claimed that India used modified balls with embedded chips to gain an unfair advantage in swing bowling.

These accusations were particularly directed at Arshdeep Singh during the 2024 T20 World Cup match against Australia.

Shami, responding to these allegations, dismissed Inzamam's comments as "cartoonish remarks." The choice of words has not sat well with many Pakistani cricketers, leading to a backlash against the Indian pacer. Ali, in particular, has been vocal in his criticism of Shami and expressed his disappointment.

"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 as quoted by Hindustan Times.

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If you think Inzi bhai said something wrong, say it nicely: Basit Ali

Ali emphasized the need for respect towards senior players. He requested the pacer to not give out such statements regarding some greats of the game. 

"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.

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The former Pakistan star didn't hold back in his criticism, referring to Shami's comments as indecent. 

“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 concluded.