ICC derails Rawalpindi Express

ICC derails Rawalpindi Express
REUTERS

PERTH, DECEMBER 31: Shoaib Akhtar's bowling action has been ruled illegal by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan paceman is to be sent home from his team's tour of Australia.

Team officials said he would return home next week after a nine-man ICC panel ruled against his action after discussing it during a tele-conference yesterday. Fast bowler Akhtar was told of the panel's decision shortly after his arrival here to prepare for a triangular limited-overs series with Australia and India starting next month.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) secretary Shafqat Rana told Australian radio the team was disappointed by the decision but was unlikely to challenge the ruling. ``We had to take this news because the ICC is the supreme authority,'' Rana said. ``We can't go against them. Whatever they have done must have been the best way they could.''

Doubts over Akhtar's action were first raised by umpires during Pakistan's recent three-Test tour of Australia, who won the series 3-0.

His case wasreferred to the ICC's bowling panel but the Pakistanis, who returned home after their Test tour, were so confident he would be cleared they chose him for the One-day series.

Pakistan team manager Brigadier Mohammad Nasir said Akhtar, whose lightening speed has earned him the nickname the Rawalpindi Express, was ``devastated'' by the announcement but would not be lost to the game.

``As I understand, the objections they had raised were not serious. He has to remove these minor things. He'll be alright,'' Nasir told reporters in Perth.

``He's a fighter and I have full faith in him that he will be able to overcome these objections raised against him. I don't see his career ending. He will be back as he told me.''

PCB chairman Tauqeer Zia told Reuters in Karachi: ``It's very unfortunate regarding Shoaib but his case would be reconsidered prior to the series against Sri Lanka."

Sri Lanka arrive in Pakistan on February 8 for a three-Test series and three One-day internationals. A decision areplacement for Akhtar in Australia would be made within the next few days.

The Australian Cricket Board (ACB) refused to comment on the Akhtar decision. ``It's a matter between the Pakistan Cricket Board and the ICC. It's not for us to get involved,'' an ACB spokesman said.

Waqar to replace Shoaib
KARACHI: Waqar Younis was named to replace the suspended Akhtar. ``Younis has been picked because of his vast experience in one-day cricket,'' PCB (pcb) chairman Tauqeer Zia told Reuters from Islamabad.Waqar faced suspension after he accused his long-time new-ball partner and now captain Wasim Akram of victimising him and settling personal scores. But Zia said the paceman would not face any penalties after he submitted an unconditional apology.

Waqar said he wanted to prove he could still play top-class cricket but said he was sad for Akhtar. ``It's a pleasant new millennium surprise though I am sad that it came at the cost of Shoaib Akhtar.''

Former captain and Pakistan coach Javed Miandad saidAkhtar's bowling action was text book. ''the icc has given its ruling, but I would still maintain that he has a legitimate bowling action.''

Totally shocked: Akhtar
Shoaib Akhtar said he was ``totally shocked'' and the decision meant he would now fly home on January 2. ``They've just told me to re-model my action, but I can't say anything more because I'll be in trouble,'' he said.Pakistan captain Wasim Akram said the decision was `sad' and questioned other bowlers' actions.

``I've played more cricket than anyone else in the world and I think his action is fine -- more than fine,'' Wasim said.

``If arm bends are illegal, every second bowler does the same thing so it means they are going to ban everyone let's see. The poor guy -- I can't imagine what he must be feeling now. My heart goes out to him.''