'ICC and BCCI supplying special balls to India': Former Pakistan cricketer's bizarre claim

Pakistan cricket is all drama these days – from their on-field performances to off-field statements. While renowned figures such as Wasim Akram, Shoaib Malik, and Misbah ul Haq have been providing good analysis, dissecting Pakistan’s underwhelming performances, there’s also a flip side.

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There are a whole host of TV anchors and former cricketers who have engaged in perplexing and unfounded discussions under the guise of “expert opinions.” One such baffling conversation occurred on the news channel ‘ABN’ with former Pakistan cricketer Hasan Raza.

After India’s dominant victory over Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium, where Indian pacers knocked over Sri Lanka for a mere 55, the anchor of the cricket show posed a barely believable question to Raza. He asked, “Is there a possibility that Indian bowlers are given a different ball? The amount of seam and swing that Indian bowlers are achieving makes it appear as though they are playing on a unique, ‘ajeebo gareeb’ (strange) surface.”

ICC Might Give Different Ball to Indian Bowlers thats why they are Getting Seam and Swing More Than Others.Ex Test Cricketer Hasan Raza.#CWC23 #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/7KCQoaz0Qs

— Hasnain Liaquat (@iHasnainLiaquat) November 2, 2023

While, it may seem like another frivolous comment or accusation, the response from Raza was even more baffling, unbecoming of a former player who has played international cricket. He said: “Perhaps the ball is changed in the second innings; the way ICC provides the ball, or maybe the third umpire panel or BCCI; there should be an inspection for this.”

As far as his cricket career is concerned, Raza has played seven Tests and 16 ODIs for Pakistan between 1996 and 2005.

Raza doesn’t stop there. He says that the DRS decisions have favored India, without offering any substantial evidence or specific instances, The anchor, supposedly moderating this conversation, chips in with his own ‘expert takes’, wondering how on a pitch where every other bowler appears ordinary, Indian bowlers manage to perform exceptionally.