Pakistan all rounder Mohammad Hafeez has been reported for suspect bowling action. This is not for the first time that the 37 year-old has been reported for suspect action. In December 2014 Hafeez was suspended from bowling but got cleared in April 2015. A couple of months later he was again reported for suspect action. Thereafter he was suspended from bowling for next 12 months with effect from July 2015.
In November last year, he underwent a test for reassessment of his bowling action in Brisbane. He cleared that and was allowed to resume bowling.
“Hafeez”s bowling action will now be scrutinised further under the ICC illegal bowling action regulations. He is required to undergo testing within 14 days, and, during this period, Hafeez is permitted to continue bowling in international cricket until the results of the assessments are known,” said an ICC release.
The off spinner is known to be lethal against left handers with a majority of his victims being left handers. Pakistani bowlers have faced suspensions for illegal bowling actions in the past. Ace off spinner Saeed Ajmal was banned from bowling after he action was found illegal.
The off spinner who turned 37 on Tuesday bowled 8 overs for 39 runs and picked up the wicket of Lahiru Thirimanne in 3rd ODI against Sri Lanka at Sheikh Zayed stadium in Abu Dhabi. Pakistan whitewashed Sri Lanka 3-0 in ODI series.
Pakistan now play 3 T20Is against Sri Lanka, the last being at Gadaffi stadium in Lahore. Few Sri Lankan players have refused to tour Pakistan to play that T20I fixture because of security reasons.
– by Atharva Apte
