In a nail-biting final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on November 19, 2023, India’s cricket team, riding high on a flawless 10-0 winning streak, faced a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of Australia. Pat Cummins, Australia’s captain, won the pivotal toss on a challenging slow and dry wicket, opting to put India in to bat first. The conditions favored the bowlers under the blazing sun, making run-scoring a formidable task.
India’s innings unfolded with challenges, as the ball refused to come on to the bat. Despite the adversity, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul managed to contribute half-centuries, and Rohit Sharma provided a quickfire start. However, the team could only muster a total of 240 runs. The second inning witnessed a spirited fightback from India, reducing Australia to 40-3. Yet, the tide turned with heavy dew, and Australian batsman Travis Head’s outstanding 137-run innings sealed the fate of the match.
The defeat left Indian fans and players shattered, with cricket icons like Kohli, Rohit, and Siraj expressing their heartbreak through tears. The team’s impeccable record of winning all 10 games leading up to the final added to the emotional weight of the loss. Despite the setback, individual players, notably Mohammed Shami, shone brightly.
Mohammed Shami emerged as the star with the ball, showcasing exceptional skill and determination. Despite missing the first four games of the tournament, Shami concluded the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 as the leading wicket-taker, claiming 24 wickets at an astounding average of 10.70 and an impressive strike rate of 12.20. His stellar performance throughout the tournament underlined his class as a pace bowler.
However, amidst India’s cricketing triumph, a cloud of controversy hovered, originating from the comments of former Pakistani cricketers during the World Cup. While Indian pacers dominated on the field, Hasan Raza, a former Pakistani cricketer, fueled baseless speculation that the ICC provided different balls to Indian pacers, enabling them to extract unusual movement.
Mohammed Shami Slams Hasan Raza Yet Again
In response to these allegations, Mohammed Shami, in a podcast with PUMA, addressed the accusations and expressed his frustration with the baseless claims. Shami unapologetically highlighted the absurdity of the theory and defended the integrity of the game. He emphasised that success should be celebrated rather than met with jealousy.
He said: “I know I can be bitter while speaking the truth but if I don’t open my mouth after all this then it won’t be right. I’m not jealous of anybody. If you start enjoying the success of others then you can become a better player. I was not playing at the beginning (of the World Cup). Jab khel raha that World Cup, toh 5 wickets liye, 4 wickets aur fir se 5 wickets liye. Kuch Pakistan ke players ko ye baat hajam nahi ho rahi toh main kya karu. Kyuki unke dimaag mein ye hai ki ham best hai. Bhai best woh hota hai jo time per perform kare….aap usme controversy banaya chale ja rahe ho, ki tumhe ball kuch aur colour ki mil rahi hai..kisi aur company ki mil rahi hai….Sudhar jao yaar. (When I started playing, I picked up five wickets then got four and then another five-for. Some Pakistani players couldn’t digest it. They think they are the best. The one who performs at the right time is the best. You are creating controversy for no reason. You are saying we are getting different balls, from different companies and all that. Learn your lesson).”
Shami went on to dismiss the claims. He questioned the logic behind such accusations, especially when explained by someone with cricketing experience. Shami’s strong response not only defended the team’s achievements but also served as a powerful rebuttal to baseless criticism.
He added: “Wasim Akram had explained how the ball is chosen. How the fourth umpire brings a box to the fielding team but despite that you say all this? It is understandable if you have not played the game at all. But when an ex-player says all these things, I don’t think people would do anything else apart from laughing.”
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 showcased the brilliance of the Indian cricket team, with notable performances, unforgettable moments, and a heartbreaking final defeat.
