(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Former Pakistan cricketer Hasan Raza has once again found himself embroiled in controversy, just days after accusing the BCCI, the International Cricket Council (ICC), and even the match officials, including the umpires. He claimed that Indian bowlers are given a different pair of balls that helped them swing and seam the cherry more than usual.
On the same platform, Raza also raised suspicions about the Decision Review System (DRS) technology, demanding a thorough investigation. This time, he alleged that the DRS had been manipulated by the BCCI in collaboration with broadcasters during the 2023 World Cup match between India and South Africa, a match the hosts won by a margin of 243 runs.
Raza specifically discussed the dismissal of Heinrich Klaasen, who was trapped LBW by India’s left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja. However, Raza wanted to focus on Klaasen’s dismissal but inadvertently mentioned Rassie van der Dussen during his explanation.
“Jadeja picked up five wickets and finished with career-best figures. We were talking about technology where DRS was being taken. Van der Dussen was the batter and the ball was hitting the middle stump after pitching on leg stump. How is that possible?” Raza said as quoted on a Pakistani news channel.
Without hesitation, the 41-year-old asserted that the DRS used in the recent match had been manipulated.
“The impact was in line, but the ball was headed towards the leg stump. Like everyone else, I am just sharing my opinion. I am saying that such things should be checked. DRS is being manipulated and that is clearly visible,” he added.
Raza also pointed out that the manipulation of the DRS was not a one-time occurrence and had been observed in the match between Pakistan and South Africa on October 27 in Chennai that the Proteas won by one wicket.
Raza referred to a decision that went against Pakistan when pacer Haris Rauf hit the ball on the pads of Tabraiz Shamsi. Rauf along with the rest of the Pakistan team appealed to the umpire, but he did not raise his finger, prompting Babar Azam to use the DRS. However, the technology did not favour the Men in Green and Shamsi remained not out.
“It was not the first time. The review in the match between Pakistan and South Africa and the last wicket partnership. They did not even apologise. Home conditions and home advantages come into play,” Raza concluded.