Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is learnt to have requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to give fresh date for the bio-mechanics test of all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez's bowling action. Hafeez's bio-mechanics test was scheduled to be conducted on February 6 in Brisbane, Australia but the right-arm spinner could not appear following a niggle in his foot.
Hafeez was suspended by ICC from bowling because of an illegal action, Hafeez can only bowl if cleared but he remains a part of the Pakistan World Cup squad and can play solely as a batsman. Earlier, Hafeez had failed to clear two unofficial bio-mechanics tests. Hafeez's arm both around and over the wicket exceeded the limit of 15 degrees. Over the wicket, Hafeez turned his arm at angles measuring from 16 to 18 degrees while around the wicket it ranged between 12 and 19 degrees. Hafeez is the second Pakistani after Saeed Ajmal reported in a major crackdown on bowlers with suspect actions the ICC launched in June last year.
With the delay in the bio-mechanics test, Hafeez's chances for bowling during World Cup matches are diminishing. Pakistan is to face first match of the mega event against India on February 15. Pakistan will face West Indies on February 21. Sources claimed that the new date of bio-mechanics test is expected to fall after February 10, putting doubt on Hafeez's availability for bowling in Pakistan's World Cup opener against India.