New Delhi: After the spin maestro Saeed Ajmal was suspended for illegal bowling action, Pakistan suffered another blow just months before the World Cup. This time all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has been suspended by the ICC for the suspected action. He has become the latest bowler to join the long line of cricket controversies since the birth of international cricket since 1877 and 11th bowler since Shoaib Akhtar was reported in the year 1999.
Ajmal is currently perched at the top of its ODI rankings, after his bowling action was found to be illegal following an independent analysis while Hafeez is well complimenting the team with his spin in absence of Ajmal.
The analysis of both revealed that all their deliveries exceeded the 15 degrees level of tolerance permitted under the regulations.
During the 1995 Boxing Day Test at the MCG, Sri Lankan legendary spinner Muthiah Muralitharan was repeatedly no-balled by umpire Darrell Hair for an illegal bowling action, creating a wave of controversy and ill-feeling between Australia and Sri Lanka.
Soon after, Murali was no-balled again during an ODI in Brisbane, this time by umpire Ross Emerson.
And on Sri Lanka's tour to Australia three years later, Emerson again no-balled Murali, sparking a fierce reaction from captain Arjuna Ranatunga, who threatened to abandon the match.
Despite constantly attracting intense criticism for his unique bowling style, Murali was never suspended for an illegal action during his 19-year international career.
Other bowlers, including India's Harbhajan Singh and Pakistan's Mohammad Hafeez, have also been cleared by the ICC despite being reported by the umpires.
Australia fast bowler Brett Lee too was reported for a suspect bowling action during Australia's tour of New Zealand in 2000, but later cleared.
India TV looks out for the bowlers who faced a suspension for illegal actions since 1999:
