Afridi among those reported for suspect actions

Two cricketers from Bangladesh and one from Pakistan have been reported by ICC match officials for suspect bowling actions during recent international fixtures.

Shahid Afridi, the Pakistan leg spinner, was reported by match referee Barry Jarman during the One Day International series against England at the end of October.

The bowling actions of Bangladesh captain and off spinner Naimur Rahman and slow left armer Mohammad Rafique were questioned by umpires Steve Bucknor and David Shepherd during the country’s inaugural Test against India in Dhaka during November.

Detailed video tapes of the bowlers in question have been forwarded to the ICC, the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Bangladesh Cricket Board. These will be used to analyse and review the bowling actions of the three cricketers.

Each of the reports is being dealt with under the new three stage reporting and review process introduced by the ICC at the beginning of January. Although this was not technically in place at the time of the reportings, the decision recognises the fact that the new, improved process was imminent at the time.

Each of the cricketers is now undergoing a six week period of consultation with bowling experts appointed by their individual Boards. At the end of that period, in mid February, a report will be circulated by the Boards to the players, the ICC and the international panel of referees and umpires.

All three can continue to play international cricket during the six week review period, although in these particular cases neither Pakistan or Bangladesh are involved in series until Pakistan visit New Zealand for five One Day Internationals and three Test matches, beginning 17th February.

Mail your comments