Mohammad Hafeez, the Pakistan allrounder, has been reported for suspect action after the first Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi. Hafeez will have to undergo the tests within the next 21 days as per the ICC regulations and can continue to bowl in international cricket until the results of the tests are announced.
Hafeez was part of the Pakistan side that recently thumped Australia, bowling 63 overs in the two-Test series, and went on to bowl a further 22 overs in the first Test against New Zealand. The match officials handed over the report to the Pakistan team manager, Moin Khan.
Hafeez has become the second Pakistan bowler in the recent months to have come under ICC’s scanner. The drive against suspect actions has hit the offspinners the most, with Saeed Ajmal, Sohag Gazi, Sachithra Senanayake, Prosper Utseya and Kane Williamson, all earning suspensions. Last week, Zimbabwe’s Malcolm Waller was pulled up after he took six wickets in the Khulna Test against Bangladesh.
Hafeez had also run into trouble for his action during the Champions League T20, being reported by the umpires following Lahore Lions’ match against Dolphins. Being the first time he was reported in the tournament, he was allowed to keep bowling according to tournament rules, and that incident had no spillover into international cricket.
