In a sensational comment that has stirred debate in the cricketing world, former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has called for an official investigation into Indian cricketer Abhishek Sharma’s bat, questioning its authenticity after Sharma’s explosive performances in T20 cricket. Inzamam raised concerns that there could be an illegal modification within the bat, such as a “spring” or a “chip,” which might be responsible for the immense power Sharma has shown, particularly his ability to hit massive sixes.
The comment follows Abhishek Sharma’s exceptional performances in the T20 format, where his explosive batting has taken center stage. In January 2026, Sharma made headlines by becoming the fastest player to reach 5000 runs in T20 internationals. His ability to clear the boundary effortlessly and hit towering sixes has been praised by fans and analysts alike. However, it also led to some scrutiny, with Inzamam being one of the first prominent figures to publicly question the legitimacy of Sharma’s hitting power.
Inzamam, known for his sharp cricketing mind and his leadership of Pakistan’s team in the 1990s, has suggested that the sheer power behind Sharma’s six-hitting abilities could be more than just natural talent. The former captain has pointed out that the use of advanced technology in cricket bats, such as added “chips” or “springs,” could explain the unnatural ease with which Sharma clears the boundary. He has called for the ICC to investigate the matter to ensure that no illegal modifications are enhancing his performances.
Inzamam’s statement has divided opinion in the cricketing world. Some have come to Sharma’s defense, stating that his performance is a result of hard work and skill, and that questioning his bat is unfair. Others argue that with the rapid evolution of cricket equipment, such concerns about fairness in the game are not entirely unfounded.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the call for an ICC investigation has brought attention to the growing trend of scrutinizing player equipment in modern cricket. With advancements in bat technology becoming more sophisticated, the question of whether players are using illegal modifications is becoming more pressing, especially as the sport continues to push the boundaries of power-hitting.
Whether the ICC will act on Inzamam’s request or dismiss it remains to be seen. However, Sharma’s record-breaking feats will undoubtedly continue to fuel discussions about the role of equipment in modern cricket.
