New Delhi: Just when disoriented Pakistan, who were looking to pick up the pieces to make a formidable squad for the World Cup after some good showing in UAE against some teams, got another jolt after all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez too was suspended for suspect bowling action. Earlier Their ace of spinner Saeed Ajmal was too banned for illegal bowling action and now is trying desperately to get his corrected action approved by ICC. He has been included in the preliminary squad of 30.
It is a set back before 2015 World Cup for Pakistan and being a valuable player, this big blow to the team can effect the preparations for the WC.
Pakistan Cricket Team Captain Misbah-ul-Haq said, “It will be tough if we don't have Hafeez as a bowler.”
Mohammad Hafeez's action has earlier been also questioned twice in 2005 and earlier this year in a domestic T20 match in India.
Though he is most likely to make it in to final World Cup squad as a batsman but his service as bowler will be missed. shoaib malik, who is not in the team playing ODI series with New Zealand, has a good chance of squeezing in as he is handy with slow bowling.
Mohammad Hafeez is the second player in last 3 months whose bowling action has been questioned. His action was reported during the first Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi last month.
According to reports, Hafeez will have to undergo remedial work and becomes the sixth bowler suspended under a crackdown by the ICC launched in June this year.
All-rounder hafeez has taken 122 wickets in 149 international matches.
As per ICC rules, the analysis revealed that all his deliveries exceeded the 15 degrees level of tolerance permitted under the regulations.
Hafeez can apply for a reassessment after he has modified his bowling action in accordance with the rules, the ICC said.
