During the ODI World Cup 2023, Indian fast bowlers displayed exceptional performance, prompting former cricketer Hasan Raza to question the integrity of both umpires and players. Raza, 41, alleged that the umpires favoured Indian bowlers by providing them with a different ball and accused the hosts of manipulating the Decision Review System (DRS).
Wasim Akram, the former Pakistan skipper, criticized Raza’s unusual remarks, while Indian pace ace Mohammed Shami condemned Raza’s behaviour, emphasizing that Raza never appreciates India’s success and consistently seeks fault. Shami further stated that Raza’s jealousy leads him to believe that Pakistan is being unfairly treated in global tournaments.
Aakash Chopra, another former cricketer, mocked Raza’s assertions as “comedy,” and Akram expressed concern that Raza’s statements were tarnishing the country’s reputation, urging him to cease such remarks.
Mohammed Shami said: “Actually they have made cricket a joke because we don’t enjoy each other’s success. You become too happy when you are being praised, but when you lose, you feel that you have been cheated. You look at the records of the time we have been part of the team, you won’t even find them close. Jalan toh puri dikhti hai wo. Itna jalane se kon se results mil jaane hain (jealousy is evident. You can never get good results with this amount of jealousy.”
Despite sustaining an ankle injury during the ODI World Cup, Shami continued to play. Following the tournament’s conclusion, he took a break and has yet to return to the squad. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is managing his injury, with reports suggesting that he may undergo further treatment in Europe.
However, the BCCI has not provided detailed updates. Shami is currently in India and is expected to miss the entire Test series against England. While there is speculation that he may return during the Indian Premier League (IPL), his comeback remains uncertain.
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