Karachi: After Saeed Ajmal, the ace off spinner ruled himself out for World Cup following his suspension over his illegal bowling action, another Pakistan's spinning all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez flies to India on Monday in a bid to have his bowling action cleared in time for next year mega event.
The 34-year-old's action was reported for suspect bowling action during the first Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi last month and he was subsequently suspended after a bio-mechanical test found it was illegal.
Under International Cricket Council (ICC) rules, bowlers are permitted to straighten their bowling arm by up to 15 degrees.
Hafeez's suspension was a second blow for Pakistan after their ace spinner Saeed Ajmal was also sidelined over his illegal action in September.
The Pakistan Cricket Board said Hafeez has worked with former spinner Saqlain Mushtaq and spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed.
“Hafeez's action should be tested in an ICC accredited lab after his remedial work with coaches in Lahore. Therefore Hafeez is being sent to Chennai for an unofficial testing of his bowling action,” the PCB said.
If the unofficial test clears Hafeez then the PCB will apply for an official reassessment with the ICC, possibly by January 3.
Hafeez has 122 wickets in 153 one-days, as well as 4,456 runs and his dual role is important to the balance of Pakistan's side in one-day internationals.
Captain Misbah-ul Haq has said Hafeez's absence hurt the team and led to Pakistan's 3-2 Test defeat against New Zealand in the United Arab Emirates earlier this month.
January 7 is the deadline to announce a final 15-man squad for the event in Australia and New Zealand, which starts on February 14.
