(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Pakistan legendary pacer Wasim Akram reacted to the comments made by his fellow countryman Hasan Raza, who recently suspected on a TV show that Indian bowlers get a different type of ball, which leads to extra swing and seam in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
Hasan made this comment after India’s one-sided victory over Sri Lanka by 302 runs in Mumbai on Thursday. Indian pacers, including Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammad Shami helped their team bundle out Sri Lanka for a paltry score of 55.
Akram heavily criticized Hasan for the baseless allegations he made against the Indian team and match officials. He mentioned that Hasan not only embarrassed himself but also other Pakistani cricketers.
“I’ve been reading about this for the last two days. I want to have the same thing these guys are having, sounds like fun. Mind is not there. You are not only embarrassing yourself but us too. See, it’s a simple thing. The umpire, surrounded by other match officials, goes to the team bowling first with a box that contains 12 balls,” Akram said as quoted on A Sports.
Akram further explained the process and drill followed by the match officials and umpires who handed over the balls to the team from a box.
“The bowler(s) picks two balls as per his preference. He then takes the remaining eight balls to the dressing room of the other team. They follow the same drill. He then hands over the balls to the fourth umpire, and all of this takes place in front of other match officials,” he added.
The former Pakistan fast-bowler also stated that the Indian speedsters could have learned some new techniques that helped them succeed in the ongoing ICC event compared to bowlers from other teams.
“Kaun sochta hai ye cheezein? (Who thinks like this?). How can a ball swing with a device. The theory is simple, one side is light (rough) one side is heavy (shine). I know the argument is that players from other countries, including ours, haven’t been that affective. However, I also think that the Indian bowlers might have learnt something extra. May be they are better and more effecient right now,” Akram concluded.