Wasim Akram, the former captain of Pakistan’s cricket team, didn’t hold back in responding to Hasan Raza’s outlandish claim that Indian bowlers were using special balls in the 2023 World Cup, offering extra assistance to their pacers. In reaction to Raza’s comments, the Pakistani cricket legend humorously remarked that he would “love to get in on whatever these guys are having.”
The Indian pace bowlers have been nothing short of spectacular in the World Cup. Jasprit Bumrah, for instance, has clinched an impressive 15 wickets from seven matches, boasting an astonishing average of 14.60. Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami has delivered equally outstanding performances, with 14 wickets from just three games at an exceptional average of 6.71. Mohammed Siraj has also contributed significantly with crucial wickets.
In response to Hasan’s peculiar allegations about Indian bowlers using different balls to enhance swing, Akram shared his thoughts on A Sports, saying, “I’ve been reading about it for the past couple of days. I’d love to be part of whatever these guys are into because it sounds like a lot of fun, given that their minds seem to be elsewhere. Such claims not only bring embarrassment but also risk humiliating us in front of the entire world.”
Akram went on to explain the straightforward process of selecting a ball for a particular match, emphasizing, “It’s a very simple procedure. The umpire presents a box filled with 12 balls to the team that is bowling first after the toss. This box is examined by four umpires, the referee, and a few others. If I am the captain bowling first, I would select one ball as my first choice and another as my second choice.
Legendary pacer @wasimakramlive comments on #HasanRaza's statement on Indian bowlers, being given different balls to bowl.#ASportsHD #ARYZAP #CWC23 #ThePavilion #ShoaibMalik #MoinKhan #FakhreAlam #MisbahulHaq #AskThePavilion pic.twitter.com/uJ9YU9V745
— ASports (@asportstvpk) November 3, 2023
Both options are retained by the umpire, ensuring that if the first ball becomes unsuitable, the second choice is readily available. Then the umpire takes the box to the opposing dressing room, where they also choose two balls. In the same room, the referee and a few other individuals witness the selection of these two options. So, who could possibly orchestrate such a scenario?” The 57-year-old legend continued.
