Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has heaved a sigh of relief after the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed that his bowling action has not been reported by the match officials during a recent game in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
“Malik’s action was scrutinised by the umpires and the match referee during a recent match between Malik’s ZTBL side and Karachi Dolphins after he took five wickets in the first innings. But after the umpires and match referee studied the video recordings of his bowling they found nothing wrong with action,” a PCB official confirmed.
“No report was made to the board about Malik’s bowling action and he is clear to bowl in the tournament,” the official added.
Malik, who has been in good form with the bat and ball while captaining the ZTBL bank side, said he had been concerned after media reports that his action would be reported to the board.
“I am happy now that the match officials didn’t make any report because I have been focussing on my bowling a lot now,” Malik said.
“Being an all-rounder and since I play a lot of T20 cricket in foreign leagues now I know it is important to also contribute as a bowler with my off-breaks,” he insisted.
Malik has been out of favour with the Pakistani selectors since he played in the World Twenty20 in Bangladesh earlier this year. His last Test appearance was in 2010, while he played his last ODI was in the Champions Trophy last year in England.
“I always remain hopeful of a comeback to the national team which is why I am playing the domestic matches and enjoying them. I know I have a lot of cricket still left in me and the national team always needs a quality all-rounder,” said Malik.
The all-rounder admitted that the recent crackdown by the ICC on bowlers with suspect actions had increased the pressure on bowlers, particularly off-spinners.
“But I have worked a lot on my action and I am satisfied with the way things are going. So far no one has ever reported me anywhere since 2006 when my action was cleared by the ICC,” he said.
Malik’s name is expected to feature in the list of 30 probables which will be sent to the ICC later this month for the World Cup.
