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The ICC ODI World Cup 2023 has been a thrilling and action-packed tournament so far, with several teams showcasing their talent and fighting for supremacy. India, in particular, has been riding high on a wave of success, with a flawless record in the tournament and already securing their spot in the semi-finals. While cricket enthusiasts from across the globe have applauded India’s impressive performance, it has not been without controversy.
Hasan Raza’s accusations on India spark controversy
Amid India’s stellar run in the World Cup, veteran Pakistani cricketer Hasan Raza made a serious allegation against the Indian cricket team. In a live show, Raza accused the Men in Blue of receiving favouritism from the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He went as far as to call for an investigation into the matter.
Raza alleges India is receiving help from ICC and BCCI
Raza’s accusations came after India’s seventh consecutive win in the tournament. He pointed to the behaviour of the cricket ball, claiming that it seemed to behave differently when India was bowling. According to him, the ball exhibited more seam and swing, giving India an unfair advantage. Raza also alluded to certain Decision Review System (DRS) decisions that appeared to favour India. He questioned whether it was the ICC, BCCI, or the umpires who were contributing to this perceived advantage.
“It is surprising that when India is batting the ball behaves normally, but once they start bowling the ball starts to seam and swing. A few DRS decisions have also gone India’s way. No idea if ICC is helping here or the BCCI or the umpires in the middle,” said Raza.
Also READ: Mohammed Shami shatters Zaheer Khan’s ODI World Cup record during India vs Sri Lanka match
It’s worth noting that India’s bowlers have been in exceptional form in the 2023 World Cup. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj have consistently delivered outstanding performances, leaving opposition batters baffled and struggling. Shami’s recent fifer against Sri Lanka earned him the Player of the Match title, further emphasizing India’s bowling prowess.
Aakash Chopra’s blunt response to Hasan Raza
As Raza’s allegations gained traction, India’s former cricketer and renowned commentator, Aakash Chopra, couldn’t resist responding. Aakash took to X (formerly Twitter) to respond to Raza’s accusations and delivered a sharp retort, implying that Raza’s claims were more in the realm of satire or comedy.
“Is it a serious cricket show? If not, please mention ‘satire’ ‘comedy’ in English somewhere. I mean…it might be written in Urdu already but unfortunately, I can’t read/understand it;” wrote Aakash.
Is it a serious cricket show? If not, please mention ‘satire’ ‘comedy’ in English somewhere. I mean…it might be written in Urdu already but unfortunately, I can’t read/understand it. 🙏🏽 https://t.co/BXnmCpgbXy
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 3, 2023
