PCB to continue clampdown on illegal actions

KARACHI (APP) - The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) emphasised on Wednesday that the board would continue its policy of clamping down on illegal bowling actions across all forms of domestic cricket.

Reacting to media reports that Mohammad Hafeez in which it was stated that the Pakistan all-rounder was allowed to bowl during the just-ended National T20 Cup without necessary remedial work on his action, the board expressed it annoyance.

“Hafeez has been going through remedial work since nine months in total and this process has not stopped after the ICC banned him from bowling for a year. He has continued remedial work on his action along with coaches at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore,” PCB said in rejoinder issued on Wednesday.

Intikhab Alam, PCB’s Director Domestic Cricket Opera­tions, was quoted out of context to suggest that Hafeez had been allowed to bowl without necessary remedial work.

“PCB’s decision to allow Hafeez to bowl was taken as per ICC guidelines. After ascertaining his readiness to bowl in domestic cricket, Hafeez was given permission to bowl in the T20 Cup. Hafeez was banned by the ICC for 12 months in June 2015 and his action will only be tested by the ICC after this 12-month period ends,” the statement said.