| Player: | Younis Khan |
| Event: | ICC World Twenty20 2009 |
DateLine: 16th June 2009
Pakistan skipper Younis Khan came out lashing at the extra scrutiny that his team is having to face as aftermath of ball-tampering allegations.
The allegations were again made by the umpires in Monday's ICC World Twenty20 triumph over Ireland.
Earlier, New Zealand had made an informal complaint to the match officials after seamer Umar Gul claimed five wickets for six runs during Saturday's emphatic triumph over them at The Oval. The matter was resolved then and there since no evidence was found against Pakistan and the allegations were quashed.
But according to Younis, even after being cleared by officials in the previous match, umpires Rudi Koertzen and Rod Tucker kept examining the ball regularly as Pakistan cruised into the semi-finals with a 39-run victory on their return to The Oval on Monday.
"We're not cheating and today was very embarrassing with the umpires checking the ball all the time," said Younis. "Sometimes it is very embarrassing because there are a lot of cameras so how can we cheat?"
The ball tampering issue on Saturday follows three years after Pakistan refused to continue the final Test against England at the same ground because umpire Darrell Hair had also accused them of tampering.
Pakistan were at that time also cleared following an ICC hearing, but on their first return to English soil the controversy has raged once again.
"Why does this happen all the time in England?" asked Younis. "Don't talk about a bowler like Umar Gul because he has a good reputation. Why is it always about Pakistan?
"I think we should forget about this thing and just focus on the game. There are a lot of cameras so why didn't the cameras catch us doing something?
"In this cricket there are a lot of sixes and the ball goes into the crowd a lot so the ball changes like that. It is an art actually, it's not cheating," he added.
"Everyone has their own opinion, especially when you lose a game like that. New Zealand have a good reputation around the world and they are upset about getting out cheaply.
"I still believe for reverse swing you need pace and a good action and he has a good action. We now have (Abdul) Razzaq as well, who does not have pace but his action is suitable for reverse swing."