Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain ruled to have illegal action

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain was suspended from bowling at international level on Friday after biomechanical testing confirmed his action was illegal.

The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed the ruling on Friday 4 February

Hasnain was reported for a suspect action during a stint with the Sydney Thunder in Australia’s Big Bash Twenty20 league last month.

The PCB said Cricket Australia (CA) had verified the report.

In a press release, the PCB said the assessment on Hasnain “stated his elbow extension for his good length delivery, full length delivery, slow bouncer and bouncer exceeded the 15-degree limits”.

Under the International Cricket Council rules, an illegal bowling action is one in which the bowler’s elbow extension exceeds 15 degrees.

Sydney Sixers captain Moises Henriquescalled Hasnain out during a Big Bash match last month, telling him “nice throw, mate” at one stage and was also caught on stump mics suggesting the 21-year-old was “chucking”.

Match officials reported Hasnain’s action, which was later assessed in Lahore.

The PCB said it would appoint a specialist to work with Hasnain to rectify his action.

Hasnain will not be allowed to feature in the ongoing Pakistan Super League, and would instead work on modifying his action.

Hasnain is a promising fast bowler who has so far played 18 Twenty20 internationals and eight one-day internationals for Pakistan.

PCB statement on Hasnain

“The PCB today received a formal and detailed report from Cricket Australia on Mohammad Hasnain’s assessment test, which stated his elbow extension for his good length delivery, full length delivery, slow bouncer and bouncer exceeded the 15-degree limits.

“The PCB has discussed the report with its own bowling experts and is confident that the problem can be resolved. The PCB will now appoint a bowling consultant who will work with Mohammad Hasnain so that he can rectify his bowling action and be ready for a reassessment.

“Mohammad Hasnain is an asset for Pakistan and one of the very few bowlers to consistently click 145kmp. As such, and keeping his future and Pakistan’s interest at the forefront, the PCB, on the recommendation of the HBL PSL 2022 Technical Committee, has decided he will not be allowed to continue to participate in the HBL Pakistan Super League.

“Instead, he will use this time to work with the PCB-appointed bowling consultant to modify his bowling action so that he can apply for a reassessment and become eligible to return to international cricket as quickly as practically possible.

“As per the Illegal Bowling Action Regulations, until Mohammad Hasnain clears his reassessment, he will remain suspended from bowling in international cricket.”