ICC opts to relax bowling rules

[Geordie Ahmed]

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has agreed to relax its rules on bowling actions in a bid to diffuse one of the most divisive issues in cricket.

The body adopted a recommendation allowing bowlers to straighten their arms by up to 15 degrees at a two-day executive meeting in Melbourne.

And the new rule will come into effect from 1 March, 2005.

"This new process gives the game a sensible way forward," said ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed on Saturday.

"This issue has afflicted the game for over sixty years.
"Every time it comes up there are emotional reactions from people around the world based on fear and ignorance and I've no doubt we will see them all again this time.

The ICC ordered a review of its laws on throwing after several top international players, including Sri Lankan Muttiah Muralitharan, were reported for suspect actions.

An expert panel comprising Aravinda de Silva, Angus Fraser, Michael Holding, Tony Lewis, Tim May and David Richardson found that most modern bowlers broke the rules in some way.

But it added that the laws to determine whether their action was legal or otherwise were murky and unworkable.

"These recommendations have come from people who have played the game at the highest level and who have a deep appreciation of the issues," said ICC Cricket Committee chairman Sunil Gavaskar.

[161]

"Any bowler who has been reported under the old system will be dealt with under that system although it is likely that this will have little practical affect given the current playing commitments for these players. Additionally, no bowler who had been pulled up under the old system will be cleared as a result of the adoption of these recommendations by the ICC Chief Executives' Committee."

Unfortunately this will not get Malik out of his troubles.

[Hash]

maybe Tariq Mahmood will be ok since he has never been called for throwing.

[Rob H]

Inshallah no pakistani will be reported from now on.

[Abdul Qadir 236]

This is a triumph for the bowling Bradman.