Hafeez to undergo remedial work, test in Chennai

“We have decided to withdraw Hafeez from the one-day series against New Zealand and he will go to Chennai for unofficial tests and some remedial work,” Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan told reporters.

Hafeez is likely to leave Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates after the second one-dayer against New Zealand on Friday.

The 34-year-old had his action reported during the first Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi last month.

He was suspended from all international cricket after a bio-mechanical test in England, which found his elbow flex was more than the permissible 15 degrees.

Hafeez’s suspension is the second jolt for Pakistan before next year’s World Cup after their ace spinner Saeed Ajmal was suspended for an illegal bowling action in September.

Ajmal has also undergone remedial work under former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq.

The PCB last week announced Ajmal would have his action reassessed by the International Cricket Council, a prerequisite for obtaining clearance to resume international cricket.

But the board had to delay the reassessment after unofficial tests showed Ajmal’s action still needed improvement.

Khan said he hoped both Hafeez and Ajmal would have their reassessments before January 7, the deadline for submitting a final World Cup squad.

Pakistan included both in their preliminary 30-man squad in hopes they would get clearance in time.

The World Cup will be held in February and March in Australia and New Zealand. -AFP