PCB may send Hafeez back to Pakistan

Dubai, Dec 9 (IANS) The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may consider sending suspended all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez back home from their ongoing One-day International (ODI) series against New Zealand here, it was reported by The Dawn Tuesday.

Pakistan is leading the five-match series 1-0 after winning the first match by 3 wickets in Dubai. The second match is scheduled to be played in Sharjah Dec 12.

Hafeez was suspended over a suspect bowling action by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and his departure could force the team to shuffle the line-up as the team against New Zealand for the last two ODIs has already been declared.

The 34-year-old was reported for a suspect action during the first Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi early in November after which he travelled to England for a biomechanics test.

Hafeez’s action was also reported during a Twenty20 league in India in September this year, but the PCB said the bowler went through remedial work at the national cricket academy in Lahore.

He was not reported during the 2-0 win over Australia last month.

Previously, Hafeez’s action had been cleared after being reported in a one-day match against the West Indies in Brisbane in 2005.