The bowling actions of Pakistan’s ace spinner Saeed Ajmal and Sohag Gazi of Bangladesh have been deemed legal, the International Cricket Council said Saturday.
Both off-spinners were reported for suspected illegal actions in August and both failed the initial tests.
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But the ICC said following remedial work and re-tests, the two could resume bowling in international cricket.
“At the re-tests, it was revealed that the amount of elbow extensions in both the off-spinners’ bowling actions for all their deliveries was within the 15-degree level of tolerance permitted under the ICC regulations,” it said in a statement.
Under the ICC rules, bowlers are permitted to straighten their bowling arm by no more than 15 degrees during delivery.
Bowling actions of Saeed Ajmal and Sohag Gazi found to be legal. http://t.co/B4X9mQ4uKS
— ICC Media (@ICCMediaComms) February 7, 2015
Umpires can still report the two bowlers if they believe they are displaying a suspect action, the council said.
The re-tests were undertaken at the Sri Ramachandra University in Chennai on 24 January.
The ICC decision comes just days ahead of the start of the World Cup being played in Australia and New Zealand.
Ajmal said that he is delighted to clear the reassessment and plans to continue playing international cricket for next few years.
“I’ll keep playing international cricket for four more years easily and doesn’t want to announce my retirement. Infact I’m ready to serve Pakistan if I get a shock call for the world cup but primarily I want the selected players to do the job,” Ajmal expressed while speaking to media in Lahore.
“Just in case, there is a drastic need then I can prepare myself quickly for the demand of a mega event. I can still bowl as effectively as before and I’ll answer my critics through my performances. There is a wish like everyone to play in a world cup but I don’t want people to say that I returned to national side through any source. I was a match-winner and I will comeback as one.”
Ajmal also revealed that he has played a with U17s in Lahore and he will continue to increase his match practise and outdoor training as he has only been bowling indoor of late. According to the bowler himself, practically he needs a month’s time to get mileage in all his deliveries.
Asked how he sees the process and will it be difficult for youngsters to go unchecked under the strict scanner, Ajmal responded that it is really difficult to get your action under the permissible limit but he is ready to teach youngsters as well in future to improve their bowling actions.
Ajmal was withdrawn from Pakistan’s World Cup squad because of his suspension over the illegal bowling action. Gazi was also not named in Bangladesh’s side for the tournament.
