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Former Pacer Banned For Suspect Action Now Accuses Shubman Gill And India Of Ball Tampering
Follow UsShabbir Ahmed's own career was marred by controversy, having been banned multiple times due to a suspect bowling action
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shabbir Ahmed has stirred controversy by accusing the Shubman Gill-led Indian team of ball tampering during the fourth innings of the fifth Test against England at The Oval.
Chasing a target of 374, England looked in control for most of Day 4, with Joe Root and Harry Brook both scoring centuries. At one point, the hosts were cruising at 301/3, needing just 73 runs with seven wickets in hand.
However, the tide turned when Brook fell to Akash Deep while playing an aggressive shot. That was followed by Prasidh Krishna removing Jacob Bethell and the well-set Root, giving India a glimmer of hope heading into the final day.
On Day 5, England still held the upper hand, needing just 35 more runs with four wickets in hand. Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton were at the crease, but the momentum shifted quickly. Indian pacers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna made the old ball talk, swinging it both ways and applying relentless pressure.
Smith nicked an outswinger from Siraj to the wicketkeeper, while Overton was trapped in front by a sharp inswinger. Despite the second new ball being available, India continued with the older ball - a decision that paid off as they took the remaining wickets, sealing a thrilling win by just six runs and levelling the series 2-2.
Amid the celebrations, Shabbir Ahmed took to social media platform X to make a bold allegation: “I think India used Vaseline. After 80 + over ball still shine like new. Umpire should send this ball to the lab for examination."
Shabbir, who represented Pakistan in 10 Tests, 32 ODIs, and 1 T20I, last played international cricket in 2007. His own career was marred by controversy, having been banned multiple times due to a suspect bowling action.