ODI World Cup 2023: Former Pakistan cricketer accuses Indian Cricket Board of cheating and helping India to get 'extra' seam and swing moments

Amid the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023, India has been phenomenal in all departments. The hosts have won seven out of seven games to qualify for the semifinals of the ongoing tournament. However, the other South Asian countries have been mediocre in the ongoing tournament and are struggling to make their way into the semis.

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Meanwhile, former Pakistan cricketer Hasan Raza accused the Indian Cricket Board and the Apex Cricket Council of cheating. While speaking with a news channel, Raza said that hosts have been provided with a different ball to get more seam and swing during the tournament. He also said that the matter should be investigated.

“Is there a possibility that Indian bowlers are given a different ball? The amount of seam and swing Indian bowlers are getting, it seems Indian bowlers are bowling on a bowling wicket, ‘ajeebo gareeb’ (weird) seam and swing", asks ABN News anchor Raza.

In response, he said, "Shayad ball be change ho jata hai second innings mein; jiss tareeke se apex cricket council ball de raha hai, ya fir third umpire panel de raha hai, ya Indian Cricket Board de raha hai; iska inspection hona chahiye (maybe the ball gets changed in the second innings). (Whoever is giving the ball should be investigated.)"

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Aakash Chopra slams Hasan Raza for his comments!

Meanwhile, reacting to Hasan Raza's allegations, former India batter and star commentator Aakash Chopra slams Pakistani media. On Twitter, Aakash said that these kinds of shows should mark themselves as satire. He said, "Is it a serious cricket show? If not, please mention satire ‘or’ ‘comedy’ in English somewhere. I mean, it might be written in Urdu already, but unfortunately, I can’t read or understand it."

The India pace trio, consisting of Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah, has showcased excellent form in this World Cup. Their ability to generate seams and swings has been exceptional. Shami, in particular, has already claimed two five-wicket hauls, elevating his tally to 45 wickets in the tournament, thereby becoming the most successful Indian bowler. Raza perceives a possible issue with the ball being used by the Indian pacers.