Ensure unorthodox bowlers don't fade away: Rameez tells ICC

Pakistan's former captain Rameez Raja has said that the ICC needs to tweak its new protocol on illegal bowling actions to ensure the 'doosra' remains part of the sport.
"The ICC appears to have made up its mind to show no leniency to bowlers who they feel try to bypass the system. But the ICC also needs to ensure unorthodox bowlers don't fade away in cricket," he told Geo Super channel.
Rameez, now a commentator, felt that the ICC could increase the limit for bowlers to straighten their elbow to up to 18 to 20 degrees from the present 15 degrees allowed under the law.

"I can tell you as a commentator these unorthodox bowlers bring excitement to cricket and the 'doosra' delivery has become a legitimate weapon for an off-spinner, they can't do without it now," he said.
Rameez noted that with rules now clearly in favour of the batsmen, the ICC needed to give some allowance to bowlers.
"A little tweak in the laws will be good for the sport," he added.

"Life is hard for bowlers nowadays and it is not easy for them. I think there is nothing wrong with a review of the new protocol system."
The Pakistan Cricket Board has also said it would be taking up the issue at the next meeting of the ICC this month.

When reminded that PCB chief Shaharyar Khan and the national team head coach Waqar Younis had also questioned the timing of the crackdown on bowlers with suspect actions, Rameez said he could understand their point of view.
"Obviously with the World Cup just a few months away this crackdown is not helpful as it will affect plans of teams. Pakistan is an example because Saeed Ajmal is a key bowler and we don't know whether he will be able to play in the World Cup. Muhammad Hafeez has also been reported in the Champions League."
Rameez said when bowlers were reported it obviously shook their confidence and increased pressure on them.

But the former captain brushed aside suggestions that the crackdown was aimed at Pakistani bowlers.
"I think we need to get out of this conspiracy theory. Until Sunil Narine was also reported those promoting this conspiracy theory had a point that only Pakistani bowlers were being targeted but not now.