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Amidst India's triumphant show in the ongoing ODI World Cup, former Pakistani cricketer Hasan Raza has levelled serious allegation against Team India and accused them of using different balls in the tournament.
Following India's massive victory against Sri Lanka on November 3, Thursday, Raza while speaking to ABN, urged ICC to inspect the balls that Indian bowlers are using.
His comments come in the wake of India's emphatic 302-run victory over Sri Lanka at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, a win that sealed their semi-final berth.
India's bowlers, particularly Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, have displayed a level of aggression and efficiency reminiscent of some of the greatest pacers in cricket history, according to Raza.
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It's difficult to understand this. When India are batting, they are playing well. But when India are bowling, other teams are struggling. Some of the DRS decisions have gone in India's favour to, around 7-8 DRS calls have been very close and all have gone in their favour. But today we saw a different level of aggression from the Indian bowlers. When Shami and Siraj are bowling, it seems like we are playing against Allan Dolland and Makhaya Ntini back in the days," Raza said in a conversation on ABN News.
The Indian pace battery, comprising Jasprit Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj, has been a force to reckon with, claiming a total of 38 wickets across seven matches. Raza has pointed out that an unusually high number of DRS decisions seem to favor India and has hinted at the possibility of a special treatment in the balls provided to the Indian bowlers by the ICC or the BCCI.
"It seems like the ball gets changed in the second innings. I think the ICC, umpire or the BCCI is giving a different ball to the Indian bowlers. The side batting first scored 350 and were all over the chasing team. The way Mohammed Shami bowled his first ball, even Angelo Matthews was stunned. During our playing days, there was only one ball which was utilised, and had both swing and reverse swing," he added.
The 41-year-old also called for a proper probe into the matter by ICC.
"I think the balls should be checked. I know there are two new balls for bowlers bowling from each end, but they have taken three slips in an ODI match. Even KL Rahul was struggling to pouch the ball behind the stumps. It seems that there is an extra coating of laquer in the balls. I think the opposition teams should inspect the balls," Raza concluded.
Raza's baseless remarks invited criticism from Aakash Chopra, the former Indian opener, who dismissed the former's comments as mere "comedy."
India currently stands at the pinnacle of the World Cup points table, boasting an impeccable record of seven wins from seven matches. They are scheduled to face South Africa next at the iconic Eden Gardens, followed by a clash with the Netherlands to round off their group-stage campaign.
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