ICC finds Mohammad Hafeez's bowling action illegal

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced that an independent assessment has found the bowling action of Pakistan’s Mohammad Hafeez to be illegal and, as a result, the veteran off-spinner has been suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect.

The assessment conducted revealed that the majority of his deliveries that he bowled exceeded the 15 degrees level of tolerance permitted under the regulations for bowling actions. This will now prevent him from featuring in any international or domestic competition till he modifies his action, appears for another test and clears it bowling within the permissible limits.

Article 11.5

In accordance with Article 11.1 of the ICC Illegal Bowling Regulations, Hafeez’s international suspension will also be recognised and enforced by all National Cricket Federations for domestic cricket events played in their own jurisdiction. However, pursuant to Article 11.5 of the Regulations and with the consent of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Hafeez may be able to bowl in domestic cricket events played under the auspices of the PCB.

His action came under the scanner during the third One-Day International against Sri Lanka, which was played on 18 October in Abu Dhabi. Following which he was asked to undergo an independent assessment of his bowling action on 1 November at Loughborough University.

Though he will not be able to bowl with immediate effect. There is a provision that allows him to remodel his bowling and if the new action doesn’t fend the rules he will earn back the right to bowl in domestic as well as international cricket. The ICC also clarified that Hafeez can apply for a re-assessment after modifying his bowling action in accordance with clause 4.5 of the Regulations.

This ruling by the ICC will concern not just the Pakistan national team but also his PSL side Peshawar Zalmi who rely on the veteran for a dual role in the team.