SYDNEY: Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain has been reported for a suspected illegal bowling action during the Big Bash League (BBL), ESPNCricinfo reported on Tuesday.
According to the report, Hasnain has just finished a productive five-game stint with Sydney Thunder but will now undergo the test at the ICC-accredited biomechanics laboratory in Lahore.
Hasnain was due to undergo a test on his action on January 19 in Australia, but because he was due to return to Pakistan at the end of his stint and because there is an ICC-accredited testing facility in Lahore, it was decided he would get tested there.
The 21-year-old, who plays for Sydney Thunders, made a strong impact in his debut season at the BBL. He came in as a replacement for English quick Saqib Mahmood, and took 4 for 22 in Thunder’s 53-run win over Brisbane Heat, his debut.
The test comes at a crucial time for Hasnain, given that the PSL’s seventh season is due to begin in less than ten days in Karachi and Hasnain is an important part of the Quetta Gladiators squad.
If the test finds his action to be legal, he will continue playing as usual. However, if he is found to have an illegal action, he will be suspended from bowling in international cricket and domestic events around the world until he corrects his action.
Under clause 11.5 of the ICC’s regulations and protocols surrounding illegal actions, the PCB – as Hasnain’s national cricket federation – can permit him to bowl in their domestic events. Hasnain could be allowed to bowl in the PSL, though in the past they have not permitted bowlers with suspect actions to bowl in the league.
In any case, he is allowed to bowl until the results of his testing come out, which could take up to 14 days. That means, in theory, he could be fine to bowl in the opening games of the PSL.
During a match, Sixers’ Moises Henriques accused Hasnain of ‘chucking’ and said “nice throw mate” after he bowled him a bouncer. Hasnain didn’t pick up a wicket in that game though he was economical (4-0-22-0), as the Sixers won the match by 60 runs.
In the five games he played, Hasnain conceded runs at just 6.00 per over while taking seven wickets at average of 15.71.
