'DRS Is Manipulated For India': Hasan Raza Makes Another 'Unintelligent' Accusation
India bagged 8 wins off 8 games by flooring SA (AP Photo)
Former Pakistani cricketer Hasan Raza has one again stirred up controversy with his recent comments alleging manipulation of the Decision Review System (DRS) by India during the World Cup 2023. This controversial statement follows India's thumping victory over South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 6, where they won by a massive 243 runs.
Hasan Raza questions DRS decision in IND vs SA clash
The incident in question was the dismissal of South African batsman Rassie van der Dussen by Mohammed Shami, which Raza found suspicious.
Despite the on-field umpire initially rejecting the appeal, India's review led to a reversal of the decision, showing the ball hitting the top of the middle and leg-stump, leading to van der Dussen's dismissal for 13 runs off 32 balls.
While speaking to ABN, Raza expressed his skepticism about the trajectory of the ball and the DRS outcome in this instance, insinuating possible manipulation. He referenced the impact being in line but questioned the direction towards the leg stump, suggesting a need for scrutiny in such decisions.
“We were talking about technology where DRS was being taken. (Rassie) Van de Dussen was the batter and the ball was hitting the middle stump after pitching on leg stump. How is that possible? 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,” said Hasan Raza.
The former cricketer also recalled another contentious DRS decision during a match between South Africa and Pakistan, involving South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and Pakistani bowler Haris Rauf. Raza suggested that home advantages played a role in these decisions, citing the lack of apology or acknowledgment in controversial decisions.
“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,” added the 41-year-old.
It is worth mentioning that his is not the first time Raza has made headlines for controversial remarks. He previously accused the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of providing India with different cricket balls to gain an undue advantage. These comments were met with criticism from former Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram, who admonished Raza for potentially harming Pakistan cricket’s reputation.
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