Wasim Akram slams Hasan Raza for his statement on Indian bowlers getting different balls in CWC 2023

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram lashes out on Hasan Raza for his statement on Indian bowlers.

Former Pakistan cricketer Hasan Raza’s recent statement alleging that Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and International Cricket Council (ICC) are providing Indian bowlers with “different balls” in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 has sparked significant controversy and criticism. This claim has not only shocked cricket fans but has also drawn strong reactions from former cricketers across the border. Notably, former Indian players Aakash Chopra dismissed Raza’s comments as ‘comedy’ and not reflective of the true spirit of cricket.

Hasan Raza’s remarks have created a debate, with many questioning the credibility and validity of such allegations. Raza’s comments imply that Indian bowlers are benefiting from an unfair advantage, raising questions about the integrity of the game. The controversy has prompted a strong response from cricketing legends, notably Pakistan’s former captain, Wasim Akram.

Wasim Akram responds to Hasan Raza’s statement

Wasim Akram, without directly naming Hasan Raza, addressed the controversy by shedding light on the process by which cricket balls are selected before a match. He explained that both teams have the opportunity to choose from a set of brand-new balls before the match begins. The team that bowls first selects two balls as their preferred options, with the remaining balls going to the opposition. Akram emphasised that the selection process is transparent and closely monitored by umpires and match referees.

“It is a very simple thing. Umpire asks the bowling team to pick the balls with which they would want to bowl. The bowlers choose from the box of 12 brand new balls. All the match officials closely watch the whole thing. The bowlers pick two balls. Option 1 and Option 1. The umpires keep them in their pant pockets. The remaining 8 balls (remember that two new balla are used these days from two ends) to the other team. They do the same exercise,” explained Akram

He also took a dig at the former Pakistan cricketer and said,“I want to have the same things these guys are having. Sounds like fun. Because their mind is not there. They get slammed by the world (for such statements) and take us down as well with them.”

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik also weighed in on the issue, highlighting the tendency to find negativity in others’ success rather than learning from it. He noted that this mindset is not limited to cricket but is prevalent in day-to-day life.

“When we see someone succeed, we don’t intend to learn from that person. Our first thought is to find something negative about that person,” said Malik

Watch the video here:

Wasim Akram’s clarification on the ball-selection process has provided insight into the transparency and fairness of the procedure, effectively addressing the controversy surrounding Hasan Raza’s claims

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