PCB requests ICC to test Muhammad Hazeez's bowling action

KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to schedule a bowling assessment test for all-rounder Muhammad Hafeez in Chennai.

According to a source in the board, the PCB has written to the ICC to carry out a bowling assessment of Hafeez as soon as possible.

Hafeez, a batting all-rounder who bowls off-spin, was reported by match officials for having an illegal bowling action for the second time within a year during the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle few days ago.

Under ICC laws, he has to undergo a bowling assessment test at a ICC accredited laboratory within 14-days and can continue to bowl during this period. If he fails the ICC test he can be banned from bowling for 12-months.

"The PCB is concerned with the situation with Hafeez and wants the test to be held as soon as possible in Chennai. Because they want a clear picture of where he stands," the source said. He said internally the PCB hierarchy or the national team management were not very hopeful that Hafeez's bowling action will be cleared in the latest ICC bowling assessment test.

"It seems Hafeez will have to focus on his batting a lot more in the coming months to remain in the national team," the source said. Hafeez is likely to miss the third Test in Sri Lanka because of the bowling assessment test.