Mohammad Hafeez's bowling action found to be illegal [Update Post #117]

[Abdullah719]

The International Cricket Council today announced that an independent assessment has found the bowling action of Pakistan’s Mohammad Hafeez to be illegal and, as such, the off-spinner has been suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect.

The assessment revealed that the majority of his deliveries exceeded the 15 degrees level of tolerance permitted under the regulations.

In accordance with Article 11.1 of the ICC Illegal Bowling Regulations, Hafeez’s international suspension will also be recognised and enforced by all National Cricket Federations for domestic cricket events played in their own jurisdiction. However, pursuant to Article 11.5 of the Regulations and with the consent of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Hafeez may be able to bowl in domestic cricket events played under the auspices of the PCB.

Hafeez was reported during the third One-Day International against Sri Lanka, which was played on 18 October in Abu Dhabi and had undergone an independent assessment of his bowling action on 1 November at Loughborough University.

Hafeez can apply for a re-assessment after modifying his bowling action in accordance with clause 4.5 of theRegulations.

[htariq25]

Hopefully he gets dropped now. Useless as just a batsman. Hopefully haris sohail replaces him.

[m.shah]

How long is the ban??

[Abdullah719]

How long is the ban??

No ban mentioned. All it says is he can apply for re-assessment.

And he can bowl in domestic cricket; PSL etc. I assume.

What a joke.

[MoJoJoJo]

time for haris sohail to make a comeback.. hafeez does n't merit his place in the team on batting..

[carbon11]

I assume this is the third time this guy has been caught .

It should be end of him at intl level , it is actually shameful he keeps getting back after being banned , pcb needs to put its foot down , we have raza hasan is a proper Offspin bowler who has some ability with the bat as well .

Harris sohail is also an option but a much better batsmen than hafeez and raza

[Inswing]

Bye bye hafeez

[Sherlock]

[clean n cool]

Can be a timely excuse to bring in Harris in the playing 11 also imad wasim's role will be stronger now...maybe a blessing in disguise this news?
Hafeez better announce retirement sooner rather than later from internationals

[Hedz]

Whenever all is good in Pakistan cricket, you can always expect something to go wrong. Here it is.

Sad loss for Pakistan cricket and may cost Hafeez his spot in the side.

A massive opportunity for the likes of Haris Sohail to cement his place in the ODI and T20 Squads

[arehaan]

Time to say good bye to Mr. Hafeez. His bowling surely will be missed especially given his effectiveness against left handers. We seriously need a good off spinner to break into this team ASAP. For the time being I think Bilal Asif should be groomed for this role given that he can be used as a pinch hitter. Ideally we can play the following team.

1. Fakhar Z.
2. Imam / U Amin
3. Babar A.
4. Sarfraz
5. S. Malik
6. Harris S / U Amin ( Time to get his fitness levels sorted)
7. Imad W / Faheem A / Bilal A. ( 2 out of 3)
8. Imad W / Faheem A / Bilal A. ( 2 out of 3)
9. Shadab K.
10. M. Amir
11. Hassan A.

[Abdullah719]

I think we are missing the finer points in this announcement.

Hafeez can apply for a re-assessment at any time.

He can conceivably go and take a re-test next month, bowl with a legal action and be cleared before the NZ tour.

These rules are ridiculous, a repeat offender like him should get a lengthy ban.

[Arham_PakFan]

LOL what a joke.No excuse to keep him in the team now.

[last_knight]

I think we are missing the finer points in this announcement.

Hafeez can apply for a re-assessment at any time.

He can conceivably go and take a re-test next month, bowl with a legal action and be cleared before the NZ tour.

These rules are ridiculous, a repeat offender like him should get a lengthy ban.

You mean AFTER the NZ tour.

[Abdullah719]

You mean AFTER the NZ tour.

That would be smarter.

[Chief Destroyer]

Conniving cheat.

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Can we finally move on, please

this is embarrassing

He does not deserve a 4th chance

No way he should be allowed to bowl in PSL either, that is like rigging it for Zalmi

[KyoOne]

He is an asset with his bowling, a top allrounder.

Without it, we better pick someone like Hussain Talat, with an eye to the future

[Savak]

Why doesn't he wear something in his bowling arm which can prevent the bend to beyond 15 degrees, i believe that is one guaranteed way that will stop these guys exceeding 15 degrees.

[moghul]

Good news for Pak cricket, thanks ICC.

[moghul]

He should join Saeed Ajmal and announce his retirement, one conference for both chuckers .

[MRSN]

Good riddance. He was always hiding in the team as an all rounder. Now Pakistan can at least play someone who can bat and not act like a batsman.

[MRSN]

Whenever all is good in Pakistan cricket, you can always expect something to go wrong. Here it is.

Sad loss for Pakistan cricket and may cost Hafeez his spot in the side.

A massive opportunity for the likes of Haris Sohail to cement his place in the ODI and T20 Squads

It was always on the card. Hafeez plays as a specialist batsman first and then as a bowler. And as a batsman you know how much reliable he is. These days he can't even bash his favorite punching bags. Really good time to call his day. Pakistan already has lots of bits and pieces cricketers in the squad. One less would be good.

[asfandyar]

Lol at people saying good riddance. His place in the ODI XI is fixed (he was undroppable when he was averaging in the 20s, and is certainly more so now that he averages in 40s with the bat). His bowling being banned only spells disaster for the overall combination. He WILL NEVER be dropped (unless his batting is banned as well).

[AFM]

Good riddance. Was clearly chucking on purpose against SL so he can keep his spot. Should have retired after the CT trophy.

[Shafi]

More bad news for us. Knowing PCB he will now play as specialist batsman and it will force us to field 5 bowlers in a match+ a wicket keeper and only 5 batsmen which include useless Hafeez.

[hadi123]

I'd give him the next series as a batsman and if he fails there, then drop him. Wouldn't have been the worst idea for him to retire after the Champions Trophy Final considering he played an amazing innings there.

[DRsohail]

@Mamoon this hypocrite may apply for reassessment.

[Mamoon]

@Mamoon this hypocrite may apply for reassessment.

I told you ICC will go soft on him. This is exactly what I was expecting.

[Bilal7]

Hafeez has served us well especially a few years ago where he was a pretty good opener and a very good LO bowler. He should go now, however. Haris Sohail offers the same utility and has a much higher ceiling as a pure batsman. We also have Malik, who's basically a clone of Hafeez.

[Pete Rose]

This is welcome news. I haven’t really followed Pakistan cricket after the champions trophy, but from what I recall Hafeez played a lot more aggressively in that tournament. If he can do that (despite his much deserved minnow basher reputation) I don’t mind him playing as a finisher. The tour to NZ will finish his career or prolong it

[Mirpur express]

Come forth professor the batsman, i bet he’ll say i am a specialist no6 ,the finisher 🤔 & if chota Akmal doesn’t get his act together then am afraid the professor Is here for the foreseeable future 🤦🏽*♂️

[MenInG]

Serial Offender.

[Khan12]

This cheater should have been banned from bowling. All left now is him getting few ducks in New Zealand so we finally get rid of him. Shameless person and a mediocre cricketer. Still can't believe this trash is in Platinum category in PSL. He's got good connections.

[CricFan2012]

not surprising at all, neutral and sane Pakistani supporters had been calling this months earlier

[pakistanigoneaussie]

This is welcome news. I haven’t really followed Pakistan cricket after the champions trophy, but from what I recall Hafeez played a lot more aggressively in that tournament. If he can do that (despite his much deserved minnow basher reputation) I don’t mind him playing as a finisher. The tour to NZ will finish his career or prolong it

Come forth professor the batsman, i bet he’ll say i am a specialist no6 ,the finisher 🤔 & if chota Akmal doesn’t get his act together then am afraid the professor Is here for the foreseeable future 🤦🏽*♂️

there is nothing to suggest his ego will allow him to drop down to number 6.

This is a guy who promoted himself to number 3 the next game after Babar had his trio of consecuvtive tons.

[waleed88]

I don't get this, why are the ICC behaving like the US embassy when you apply for a visa?

'You have been rejected but you may apply again having shown proof of your eligibility'

If this guy is chuccking ban him for good... why is he being given such VIP treatment I don't get this.

[sshakir411]

A lot of my fb friends in Pakistan are literally fuming and blaming ICC for always targeting Pakistan

[ask_analyse_act]

I told you ICC will go soft on him. This is exactly what I was expecting.

Why were u expecting ICC to be lenient on him.

[Mamoon]

Why were u expecting ICC to be lenient on him.

Since he has been found chucking multiple times already and they have not been able to deal with him. Why would it be different this time?

It is now time for PCB to act. This is totally unacceptable and he must pay a price for it.

[ask_analyse_act]

Hafeez can still target the pinch hitting or slogging death overs role of imads. If he is clever enough, to keep his spot in the team till the CWC’19. Neither his slow batting nor his illegal bowling can continue to keep him in the team. Hafeez is a smart operator

[Someone]

And poor SL suffered from his bowling.

[ManFan]

Guy is not going anywhere. He is the Machiavelli of Pakistan Cricket. Should go into politics after his retirement at 50.

[R0H1T]

I assume this is the third time this guy has been caught .

It should be end of him at intl level , it is actually shameful he keeps getting back after being banned , pcb needs to put its foot down , we have raza hasan is a proper Offspin bowler who has some ability with the bat as well .

Harris sohail is also an option but a much better batsmen than hafeez and raza

Maybe it;s a cunning plan by ICC, they will clear Hafeez just before the next WC & ban him mid tournament

[ask_analyse_act]

Since he has been found chucking multiple times already and they have not been able to deal with him. Why would it be different this time?

It is now time for PCB to act. This is totally unacceptable and he must pay a price for it.

It is well known that this guy knows the limit of chucking and not. So he uses it wisely. Partly the blame will fall as it was hafeez only and then the team + hafeez is trying to use his chucking ability purposely. Yes PCB should take a stern action and stop him from bowling anymore if they want to.

[R0H1T]

I don't get this, why are the ICC behaving like the US embassy when you apply for a visa?

'You have been rejected but you may apply again having shown proof of your eligibility'

If this guy is chuccking ban him for good... why is he being given such VIP treatment I don't get this.

Because the rules wrt chucking still need fine tuning, 3 strikes & you should be out for good IMO.

[Big Mac]

No surprise, the rules don't let you confuse the batsman with literal magic.

[Madplayer]

Hafeez's bowling is a massive loss, make no mistake about it folks.

[MMHS]

Bad news for Amin, Haris and Saad - now Ul Haq has one less slot for specialist batsman (and he is a Chachu as well). ICC actually has made it easy for PAK - MoHa can make it as bowler again by the NZ tour and this game can go on till 2023 WC. I write it again - this guy isn't Ajmal or Murali; he chucks deliberately and very much thick skinned about that; he'll pass the re-test with round arm action and start selectively chucking when required.

I don't want to tag anyone here, but few posters should look at their face in mirror - who thought it was quite OK from MoHa, Sarfraz & Arthur to do what they did against SRL. I have written through out that 8-0 period - PAK would have won 8-0 without this cheating, but Captain couldn't raise upon his moral obligation to national pride and few posters as well - am sure they are still proud for that 8-0.

Obviously, there are reasons that Adidas or Nike doesn't come close to PAK cricket and that's not for market size, purchasing power, Islamophobia ......

[kingusama92]

Why doesn't he wear something in his bowling arm which can prevent the bend to beyond 15 degrees, i believe that is one guaranteed way that will stop these guys exceeding 15 degrees.

Because he knows what he's doing.

Hafeez isn't chucking by accident.

[Hasan123]

Well if he's going to play as a specialist batsmen and be doesn't perform he will be dropped.

If he's been found guilty he should be punished for longer than a year as he has already been caught once.

[cricketAXEpert]

I think we are missing the finer points in this announcement.

Hafeez can apply for a re-assessment at any time.

He can conceivably go and take a re-test next month, bowl with a legal action and be cleared before the NZ tour.

These rules are ridiculous, a repeat offender like him should get a lengthy ban.

Although this is 3rd time he got caught, this is considered first offence as the previous cycle has been completed. The purpose of this ban is to make him bowl with the proper action, not to kick him out cricket. There is a difference between someone like Hafeez who chucks in some deliveries to confuse the Batsman. And bowler like Saeed Ajmal whose entire bowling is based on an exaggerated elbow bend. If not for the new rules of examination and scrutiny Hafeez would never have gotten caught. As he never bowls the 'Doosra'

[Syed1]

Because he knows what he's doing.

Hafeez isn't chucking by accident.

Have you ever even played hard ball cricket? If a bowler is thinking about his elbow WHILE he is in his action then he isn't really bowling. Keep in mind bowling actions are developed after hours upon hours of training so that the bowler can repeat it without having to think about it and just focus on what to bowl and where to bowl it.

Maybe for PP experts it would be easy to switch action every ball and as per their choosing but most mortals are unable to do so. Then again PP experts have speed guns in their eyes and super slo mo vision as well as instant replay feature, so anything is possible.

[shaz619]

Because he knows what he's doing.

Hafeez isn't chucking by accident.

Have you ever even played hard ball cricket? If a bowler is thinking about his elbow WHILE he is in his action then he isn't really bowling. Keep in mind bowling actions are developed after hours upon hours of training so that the bowler can repeat it without having to think about it and just focus on what to bowl and where to bowl it.

Maybe for PP experts it would be easy to switch action every ball and as per their choosing but most mortals are unable to do so. Then again PP experts have speed guns in their eyes and super slo mo vision as well as instant replay feature, so anything is possible.

Syed1 with an uppercut , well said

[Hedz]

What would be the other bits and pieces?

[Chief Destroyer]

Have you ever even played hard ball cricket? If a bowler is thinking about his elbow WHILE he is in his action then he isn't really bowling. Keep in mind bowling actions are developed after hours upon hours of training so that the bowler can repeat it without having to think about it and just focus on what to bowl and where to bowl it.

Maybe for PP experts it would be easy to switch action every ball and as per their choosing but most mortals are unable to do so. Then again PP experts have speed guns in their eyes and super slo mo vision as well as instant replay feature, so anything is possible.

It is quite easy to change between pelting and bowling.

[Indiafan]

Have you ever even played hard ball cricket? If a bowler is thinking about his elbow WHILE he is in his action then he isn't really bowling. Keep in mind bowling actions are developed after hours upon hours of training so that the bowler can repeat it without having to think about it and just focus on what to bowl and where to bowl it.

Maybe for PP experts it would be easy to switch action every ball and as per their choosing but most mortals are unable to do so. Then again PP experts have speed guns in their eyes and super slo mo vision as well as instant replay feature, so anything is possible.

played under 16 for my state. Easiest thing in the world to deliberately chuck. You don't need to change your action just bend your arm, give a jerk and straighten it in the same action and follow through. You will get more spin, bounce and pace and batsman will have a more difficult time picking the trajectory

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Should be the end of his career

[QalandarFan]

Do not see him being selected as a batsman now.

[MMHS]

played under 16 for my state. Easiest thing in the world to deliberately chuck. You don't need to change your action just bend your arm, give a jerk and straighten it in the same action and follow through. You will get more spin, bounce and pace and batsman will have a more difficult time picking the trajectory

Accuracy as well - I have seen offie darters in club cricket hitting coins on good spot 2-3 times during nets, at will with a jerk from elbow. What MoHa does is 100% deliberate and his Coach, Captain is part of it. It's stupid to think that one day he bowls with round arm and lollipops and another day somehow his elbow starts to work like a spring without his control, but he starts to drop on perfect spot thereafter.

[Jabo]

He becomes useless again?

[moghul]

Finally a good news from Pakistan cricket.

[Faiz Hassan]

I dont get this hatred for hatred for Hafeez, he averages 40 with Bat in UAE, and that is a good average keeping in mind Mr Shan Masood keeps his spot for averaging 25 at the strike rate of 40. He bowls well and his bowling was one of the reasons that we were able to choke SA in the middle overs. The pressure of which got to AB and he played a loose shot in a bid to accelerate. But you cant take these people seriously when they rate Inzi as much greater batsmen as Tendulkar

[Mainul]

He is an asset with his bowling, a top allrounder.

Without it, we better pick someone like Hussain Talat, with an eye to the future

How can a chucker be a top all rounder!!! He can't bowl legitimate delivery.Pakistan again and again patronized this chucker. Shame

[KyoOne]

How can a chucker be a top all rounder!!! He can't bowl legitimate delivery.Pakistan again and again patronized this chucker. Shame

He can. Once in a while a person can transgress limits, but that does not mean he cannot bowl legitimately with a remodelled action.

Narine has been equally effective with his remodelled action.

Shame ICC if you think they are clearing him despite chucking

[AssassinatedDevil]

I dont get this hatred for hatred for Hafeez, he averages 40 with Bat in UAE, and that is a good average keeping in mind Mr Shan Masood keeps his spot for averaging 25 at the strike rate of 40. He bowls well and his bowling was one of the reasons that we were able to choke SA in the middle overs. The pressure of which got to AB and he played a loose shot in a bid to accelerate. But you cant take these people seriously when they rate Inzi as much greater batsmen as Tendulkar

Well said. People dont realize the role he has played in pak's LOI ressurgence. Anyone who thinks that Hafeez cant bat well need to look at his innings in the champions trophy final.

[moghul]

Certainly not a role model for you cricketers.

[moghul]

Well said. People dont realize the role he has played in pak's LOI ressurgence. Anyone who thinks that Hafeez cant bat well need to look at his innings in the champions trophy final.

Once in a blue moon inning. Give any FC cricketer that many chances and he will play more innings like this .

[Mainul]

He can. Once in a while a person can transgress limits, but that does not mean he cannot bowl legitimately with a remodelled action.

Narine has been equally effective with his remodelled action.

Shame ICC if you think they are clearing him despite chucking

Not once, Hafeez has been caught red handed thrice.So he can't bowl normal delivery.In this last instance all his deliveries were found to be over 15 degree.He is the luckiest chucker in the world to get permission to bowl in so many matches.
Narine don't play international matches now a days.i have serious doubt over his bowling action though remodeled

[AssassinatedDevil]

Once in a blue moon inning. Give any FC cricketer that many chances and he will play more innings like this .

Easy to say that it was once in a blue moon but if anyone plays like that in a championship final then he deserves the praise. Quality innings.

[MenInG]

And here we go again....

LAHORE: The bowling action test of Pakistani all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez will be held later this month.

Pakistan Cricket Board sources said that the bowling action test is expected on 17th April. The official date will be announced within two days.

Mohammad Hafeez is optimistic that he will pass the test.

The spinner was banned from bowling after he failed to clear the test.

https://www.samaa.tv/sports/2018/04/...g-action-test/

[hadi123]

And here we go again....

LAHORE: The bowling action test of Pakistani all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez will be held later this month.

Pakistan Cricket Board sources said that the bowling action test is expected on 17th April. The official date will be announced within two days.

Mohammad Hafeez is optimistic that he will pass the test.

The spinner was banned from bowling after he failed to clear the test.

https://www.samaa.tv/sports/2018/04/...g-action-test/

If he passes, it will definitely help his case if he wants to remain part of the Pakistan team

[Syed1]

Allah mian pappu nu fail karde

[Khan12]

He's definitely going to pass it as this cheater can bowl with a clean action but starts chucking when he's about to lose his place.

[goran]

This is really getting embarrassing. Why can't he just hang his boots? The PCB should not support him with his bowling tests and ask him to retire. He is not worth it as a batsman alone.

[PakSarZameen]

If he fails this test, that will be the end of his career.

[DRsohail]

@MMHS the guy is going for it after england tour,smart enough to score centuries againt might Zim.

[j_kazmi]

How many times can this guy get banned. He just straightens his action, passes the test and the gets banned again a couple of months later.

There’s got to be a limit in the amount of times you can fail the test.

[MMHS]

@MMHS the guy is going for it after england tour,smart enough to score centuries againt might Zim.

He has support from Arthur as well. Arthur being an Englishman loves finger darters, who can bat a bit, so that he can put them at 7 for the “spin option” on 4th innngs.

Otherwise, despite knowing what this guy is doin and what he is capable of, there is no point repeating every time that a bowling (read darting) MoHa is an asset for PAK team. I understand being politically correct from Arthur’s part, but I would have totally ignored, rather being politically correct, unless I had a soft corner.

MoHa has no place in PAK team considering next 2 ICC events are in UK & AUS. Better he should focus on improving bowling with a legal action and PCB will take him to next CT & WC in India.

[shaz619]

InshaAllah he fails, there were actually posters who were supporting this guy as a crucial member for 2019 WC; forget the fact that he is bang average, they didn't care about his bowling action and how it could derail team plans. Imagine this clown clears the test and is selected for the 2019 WC, then moments before the event he is reported for chucking ! I find it shocking that there are people who were willing to overlook this, it is better to invest in the future now they don't need to be the finished article either, because players need to be developed. Am trying my best not to miss Jumma henceforth, oh lord please make Hafeez fail the test on the 17th and please keep him away from Pakistan cricket for good, he has disgraced his country time and time again and he will never be forgiven.