ICC clears Hafeez to bowl in international cricket
Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez can breathe a sigh of relief. He can now return to bowling at the international level after the ICC cleared his remodelled bowling action. The 37-year-old was reported for suspect action during an ODI against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi back in October last year.
Hafeez gets green-light to bowl again
Hafeez, who is currently not a part of the Pakistan squad touring the United Kingdom, had to undergo remodelling of his bowling action which was then reassessed by the ICC last month on April 17. The re-assessment of his bowling action took place at the Loughborough University and it was found that his elbow extension was within the permitted 15-degree.
The statement from ICC
"The International Cricket Council announced that following remedial work and re-assessment, the bowling action of Pakistan's Hafeez has been found to be legal, and the off-spinner can now resume bowling in international cricket," ICC said.
Three times is not a charm for Mohammad Hafeez
Hafeez came under the scanner in December 2014 and was suspended after he was reported during a Test series. He reworked on his action and he was permitted to bowl again in April 2015. In July 2015 he has reported again and was suspended for 12 months. He resumed bowling again in November 2016 was reported for the third time last October.
Another violation could force selectors to completely sideline him
Hafeez has already been dropped from Pakistan's Test squad and the T20 squad in the recent series. This is a clear indication that the selectors are looking for a youthful squad heading into the 2019 Cricket World Cup. At 37, Hafeez is in the twilight of his career and another suspension could literally end his cricket career.