'Few Pakistani players couldn’t digest my success': Mohammed Shami on ODI World Cup controversy

Team India's ODI World Cup campaign had a bitter ending as Australia lifted their sixth title by getting the better of Men in Blue in the final. Irrespective of the result, the performance of the Indian team earned severe praise from every corner of the world. Mohammed Shami was one of the standout performers as the fast bowler produced some sublime spells over the entire span of the competition.

3 things you need to know

• India lost to Australia in the ODI World Cup final
• This was India's second defeat in an ODI World Cup final
• Mohammed Shami ended as the top wicket-taker in the tournament

Also Read: Virat Kohli rises to No. 3 spot in latest ODI rankings after unforgettable World Cup campaign

Mohammed Shami was a revelation in the World Cup

Mohammed Shami ended the tournament with the highest number of wickets (24 scalps) and he also became the top Indian wicket-taker in the history of the ODI World Cup. Shardul Thakur was preferred over him in the initial games but an unfortunate injury to Hardik Pandya paved the way for Shami and he didn't have to look back since then. 

Despite missing the first four matches, Mohammed Shami's spell was one of the reasons why India looked so dominant apart from the summit clash. But there were some allegations from former Pakistan cricketer Hasan Raza who claimed that Indian bowlers were provided with different kinds of balls among other things.

ALso Read: 'One of the bravest decisions': Ex-cricketer highlights Pat Cummins' pivotal CWC final decision

Mohammed Shami lashed out at former Pakistan player

Without taking anyone's name, Shami slammed the Pakistani critics. 

“I was benched for the first few matches and when I started playing, I picked up a 5-fer, then grabbed four wickets in the next game and another five-wicket haul thereafter. But kuch Pakistan ke players ko ye baat hazam nahi hui. (A few Pakistani players couldn’t digest my success)

“They think they are the best. In my opinion, the one who performs on time. The one who works hard and stands with the team. But you keep on creating controversies that we are getting a different-coloured ball, manufactured by a different company or the ICC has given you some other type of ball. Sudhar jao yaar.

“The same thing was explained by Wasim [Akram] on a talk show about how the balls are being picked by the teams before the start of play. It’s still understandable if you aren’t a player or haven’t played at the highest level and making such comments.

“But despite being an ex-player, you are saying such things then people can only laugh at you,"