Waqar questions chucking clampdown

Pakistan’s head coach unhappy at timing of ICC’s clampdown on illegal bowling actions ahead of the 2015 World Cup.

Suspensions will hit teams' World Cup plans badly, according to Waqar [AP]

Pakistan coach Waqar Younis has questioned the timing of cricket authorities’ crackdown against chucking just months away from the World Cup, and suggested that rules on bowling actions be relaxed for spinners.

The former national captain said key all-rounder Mohammed Hafeez’s confidence was left shattered after he was reported for a suspect action in an Indian domestic tournament, a fresh blow to Pakistan following the loss of Saeed Ajmal to a chucking ban.

Since then, Hafeez and Sunil Narine have been among four players reported during an Indian tournament.

Waqar Younis questioned timing of ICC crackdown on chucking

“I am asking this because every team plans ahead of the World Cup, and the suspensions will badly hit the teams whose bowlers got suspended or questioned,” Waqar said. 

“Is this the right time to enforce the protocols and the technology? I am asking this because every team plans ahead of the World Cup, and the suspensions will badly hit the teams whose bowlers got suspended or questioned.

“I mean the protocols and the technology should have been enforced after the World Cup.”

Doosra’s legality

Ajmal’s suspension came as part of a wider drive by the International Cricket Council against bowlers with suspect actions, with Sri Lanka’s Sachitra Senanayake and Kane Williamson being suspended in July this year.

Bangladesh’s Sohag Gazi and Al-Amin Hossain along with Zimbabwe’s Prosper Utseya were all reported after Ajmal.

The bans have thrown a spotlight on the controversial “doosra” delivery, which turns in the opposite direction to orthodox offspin but is delivered using the same wrist action.

Waqar suggested that the delivery could not be bowled legally and the ICC should amend their laws to accommodate it.

“When a bowler bowls a doosra, his elbow must bend beyond limits, that’s natural and I think a solution must be found.”

Source: AFP