Pakistan's Hafeez unfazed after action reported

Image
AFP Lahore
Last Updated : Oct 02 2014 | 10:20 PM IST
Pakistan's spinning all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez today said he was surprised but not concerned after his bowling was reported in an Indian domestic tournament, adding he had no plans to modify his action.
The 33-year-old is key to Pakistan's attack in their series against Australia which starts with a Twenty20 against Australia in Dubai on Sunday, particularly after the suspension of ace spinner Saeed Ajmal whose action was found to be illegal in testing last month.
The report by on-field umpires in the Indian tournament has no bearing on international cricket, but Pakistan coach Waqar Younis told AFP it would "shatter" the all-rounders confidence.
Hafeez, however, said he was unfazed.
"I am surprised over my action being reported because I am bowling like this for the last 11 years," he told AFP before departing for Dubai.
"I have played six major world events: two World Cups and three World Twenty20s and nobody had ever questioned my action, this is a big surprise for me," he added.
The International Cricket Council began a crackdown on illegal bowling actions in June, deciding to strictly enforce its 15 degree limit on elbow flex -- the point where a kink becomes visible to the naked eye.
The ICC suspended Sri Lanka's Sachitra Senanayake and New Zealand's Kane Williamson before Ajmal, while three more international bowlers have been reported and now face testing.
Hafeez said he doesn't fear his action will be reported once he bowls at international level.
"I will bowl the same way I have been bowling throughout my career," said Hafeez, who has 122 one-day and 45 Twenty20 wickets.
"I don't bowl doosra," he added, referring to the controversial delivery which turns the opposite direction to orthodox offspin. "I bowl simple off-breaks and that doesn't come in chucking."
Sunday's Twenty20 will be followed by three one-days and two Tests.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Oct 02 2014 | 10:20 PM IST

Next Story