LAHORE: Pakistan all-rounder Muhammad Hafeez said on Thursday he was surprised but not concerned after his bowling action was reported in the Champions League T20, adding that he had no plans to modify his action.
The 33-year-old spinner will be a key part of Pakistan's bowling attack in their series against Australia, which starts with a T20 in Dubai on Sunday. Hafeez’s contribution with the ball will be especially important in the wake of ace spinner Saeed Ajmal’s suspension, whose action was found to be illegal last month.
The report by the on-field umpires in the tournament has no bearing on international cricket, but Pakistan coach Waqar Younis felt that it could ‘shatter’ the all-rounder’s confidence.
Hafeez, however, said he was unfazed.
“I am surprised over my action being reported because I have been bowling like this for the last 11 years,” he said. “I have played six major world events, including two World Cups and three World Twenty20s and nobody has ever questioned my action so this is a big surprise for me.” The International Cricket Council (ICC) began a crackdown on illegal bowling actions in June, deciding to strictly enforce its 15-degree limit on elbow flex; the point where a kink becomes visible to the naked eye.
The ICC suspended Sri Lanka's Sachitra Senanayake and New Zealand's Kane Williamson before Ajmal, while three more international bowlers have been reported and will now have their actions tested.
Hafeez said he has no fear of his action being reported when he bowls at international level.
"I will bowl the same way that I have been bowling throughout my career," said Hafeez, who has 122 one-day and 45 T20 wickets to his name.
“I don't bowl the doosra," he added. "I bowl simple off-breaks and that doesn't come in chucking.”
Sunday's T20 match will be followed by three one-dayers and two Tests.
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