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WATCH: Wasim Akram blasts former Pakistan cricketer over his controversial remark on Indian bowlers; Aakash Chopra likes it

Hasan Raza's comments came after India secured their semi-final spot after thrashing Sri Lanka by 302 runs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 2

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Mathew K
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Jasprit Bumrah & Mohammed Shami (left), Wasim Akram (Source: Twitter)

Jasprit Bumrah & Mohammed Shami (left), Wasim Akram (Source: Twitter)

Pakistan cricket and controversy are two things that have always gone hand in hand. Either their players or even their cricket board often get stuck in such situations. As Pakistan's horror world campaign progresses in India, their former cricketer Hasan Raza has come forward with a controversial false allegation about Indian bowlers. Notably, Pakistan are on the verge of elimination, while India have remarkably secured their semi-final spot. 

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Raza claimed that India gets different balls and that's why their pacers get more seam and swing than other teams. The 41-year-old was stunned by the outstanding display of the Indian pace attack comprising Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami. He also called for an “inspection” of what balls are being used by India as he believes there could be an "extra layer of coating" on the ball.

His comments drew criticism from former cricketers and fans around the world. Legendary pacer and Raza's countryman Wasim Akram was one of those who lashed out at the controversial statements. Akram hit out at came down hard on Raza saying that such remarks would insult the whole of Pakistan. 

“I have been reading about it for the last couple of days. I want to have the same thing these guys are having, sounds like fun because their mind is not there. You will embarrass yourself and you will get us humiliated as well in front of the whole world,” former Pakistan pacer said on A Sports.

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"A box having 10 balls is carried by an official to two dressing rooms. Both teams pick two balls as their first and second options. The selected balls along with the remaining ones are handed over to match referee, who then delivers them to the on-field umpires. Indian bowlers are getting more swing because they are doing something more and have learned the art,” Akram explained. 

Watch the video below: 

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Aakash Chopra was impressed by Akram's apt reply

Raza's comments came after India secured their semi-final spot after thrashing Sri Lanka by 302 runs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 2. Defending a mammoth total of 358, Indian pacers tore apart the Lankan batting unit as they were bowled out for a mere 55 in 19.4 overs. Shami, who registered his second fifer (5-1-18-5) of the tournament, was the pick of the bowlers. Siraj scalped three wickets, while Bumrah grabbed one. 

Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra shared the video of Akram's befitting reply to Raza. Chopra was impressed with the response of 'Sultan of Swing' and asked everyone to listen. "Expected @wasimakramlive to drill some sense into (Raza) and he doesn’t disappoint. Once the sultan of swing speaks, everyone must listen. #respect," Chopra tweeted. 

India Pakistan featured ODI World Cup 2023 Wasim Akram