Cricket
Pakistan’s Mohammad Hafeez reported once again for suspect bowling action
It’s the third time in three years that Hafeez is reported for an illegal bowling action.
Pakistani allrounder, Mohammad Hafeez, who is part of the One Day International team leading the five-match series 3-0 against Sri Lanka, has been reported for a suspect bowling action.
Hafeez was reported after the third ODI against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi, which Pakistan won by seven wickets.
'The match officials' report, which was handed over to the Pakistan team management, cited concerns about the legality of the 37-year-old's bowling action,' said the ICC in a statement.
Testing within 14 days
After being reported, Hafeez will need to submit an independent analysis on his bowling action, however he will be allowed to continue bowling until the results of the tests are out.
“Hafeez’s bowling action will now be scrutinized further under the ICC Illegal Bowling 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 the ICC.
In case that the allrounder fails to submit the evaluation in the next 14 days, he will be banned from bowling until he presents an analysis that clears him of any unlawful action.
It’s not the first time
Hafeez has twice been suspended for illegal bowling actions.
The first time was in November 2014, during a Test series against New Zealand in the UAE.
The ICC allows a first-time reported bowler to return at any point after the suspension as long as his action has been rectified and passed another assessment, so Hafeez returned to bowling in April 2015.
However, during a Test in Sri Lanka in June 2015, the allrounder was reported again. As this was his second fault within a period of 24 months, this time he was suspended from bowling for a year.
In November 2016, Hafeez underwent reassessment of his bowling action and was allowed to continue playing.
In case that his latest action is found to be illegal, it will be handled as a first report. This means that he can rectify his actions, and in case he passes the reassessment, he will be able to continue bowling.