Pakistan legend Wasim Akram and former wicketkeeper Rashid Latif have debunked and ridiculed the 'different ball for Indian bowlers' theory first floated by Hasan Raza and then backed by fans.
Raza made a string of bizarre claims regarding the performance of Indian bowlers after the Men in Blue registered a record-breaking 302-run win over Sri Lanka in the ICC World Cup 2023.
While Jasprit Bumrah and Siraj got rid of the Lanka top order, Shami broke the spine with some fiery bowling. The pacer managed to pick yet another fifer and in the process became India's all-time highest wicket-taker in ODI World Cups with 45 scalps in just 14 matches.
The brilliance with the new ball startled Raza, which led him to suggest that Indian bowlers are using special balls provided by either the ICC (International Cricket Council) or BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), which allow them to achieve swing even on batting-friendly pitches.
What did Wasim Akram say?
"You are getting yourself insulted but why are you insulting us in front of the whole World? Firstly there are umpires, referees, and many more in the stadium & secondary how can technology or anything make the ball swing more or less?" he said to A Sports.
"It's a simple thing. You get a box of 12 deliveries. The umpire takes the box to the dressing room of the team which wins the toss. They select their first and second option in two different pockets. Then the process is repeated with the other team in the presence of other umpires and the match referee.
"We can also think in this way that Indian bowlers have learnt something more. They are better right now. They have skills. Appreciate them."
What did Rashid Latif say?
Latif echoed Akram's thoughts and wrote on X: "Mohammad Shami's wrist position and ball release are very accurate that’s why he is the best seam bowler right now, nothing to do with different balls 😃 all depends on skills. The same method applies to Swing deliveries."
Hasan Raza sticks to his 'different balls' claim
Raza remains adamant that there must be different balls used by Indian balls.
"It is my personal opinion. When Sanath Jayasurya used to play there were conspiracy theories that he used a wider bat and attached a speaker to his bat. Then there were calls for bans as well.
"There is a heavy ball and a light ball. The heavy ball bounces more and rises more. When the Sri Lankan batters came to play it hit straight onto their pads and there were three slips. The other one is lighter. It spins more and breaks more. This is what I meant. It is my personal opinion," he responded.
New Zealand vs Pakistan: Betting odds for CWC 2023 match
According to the odds from Dafabet, New Zealand are marginal favourites for this match.
Ready to make your predictions and win on this match? To find all the latest odds, betting and cricket scores and fixtures from India click here
You can also play Dafabet's CWC 2023 predictor game, and win the latest Apple gadget and big INR prizes, by clicking here!
