6:39 AM
McGhori
DUBAI: Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal reopened a controversy about his bowling action, by claiming special International Cricket Council leniency allowing him to straighten his arm beyond 15 degrees, which was quickly rebutted by the game’s world body.
Ajmal, who took 24 wickets in the 3-0 Test series whitewash of England, claimed during an in interview that as of an old accident which means he cannot straighten his arm properly – extra leniency, up to 23.5 degrees, has been granted to him by ICC.
An ICC spokesman has denied any special case has been made for Ajmal, confirming there are no exceptions to the world governing body’s 15-degree rule.
Ajmal’s doosra caused particular alarm with some pundits – including former England captain Bob Willis – questioning its legitimacy.
The off-spinner had his action reviewed by the ICC in 2009 – and following Pakistan’s 71-run victory in the final Test in Dubai yesterday, he told the BBC Sport website: “Someone is telling me my action is bad, but the ICC allow me to bowl 23.5 degrees because my arm is not good – but that’s my problem.
“Apart from that there is no problem with my action – it has been cleared by the ICC.”
Posted in: SPORTS
