Indian players complain to BCCI: Shoaib chucks

Indian players complain to BCCI: Shoaib chucks
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MUMBAI, November 29: Pakistan’s express fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who is recovering from a chest infection, is all set to play in the second Test starting at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday. And, he might well see an old bogey rise in his face all over again: questions over his bowling action.

The Indian team, it is learned, is not happy with Akhtar’s action and wants BCCI to take up the issue.

Doubts over the legality of his bowling hit the Indians during the first Test in Delhi, where Akhtar put up a spirited fight, even taking six wickets. The team was particularly upset with the delivery that broke through Rahul Dravid’s defences and shattered his stumps. Dravid, who was looking solid until then, just couldn’t believe his dismissal and walked away shaking his head. The Indian camp is quite convinced that the ball that clocked 150kmph and cut back sharply could not have been legal.

The team doesn’t want to talk about it for obvious reasons. In fact, the players closed ranks and, when contacted, refused to discuss it. Sources, however, said it was debated within the team.

BCCI is also playing it safe. ‘‘We just want the bowlers, even Indians, who have been called for chucking earlier, to be periodically reviewed,’’ said secretary Niranjan Shah.

Shoaib's clean chit not for life: Shah
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MUMBAI, November 29: The Indian players have questioned Shoaib Akhtar's action and asked the the BCCI to look into the matter. Board secretary Niranjan Shah when contacted said, "Yes, he has been cleared. But it does not mean the clean chit is for life. This is what even the ICC rule states clearly anyway." So will BCCI take up the matter with ICC? "No. It is up to the field umpires. At the most, ICC Cricket Committee can decide anything on this," replied Shah.

ICC Cricket Committee is headed by India's former captain Sunil Gavaskar. BCCI hasn't deemed it necessary to raise the issue with Gavaskar as yet. "He must be watching the games on television," was Shah's cryptic response.

Interestingly, this is not the first time that India have expressed doubts over Akhtar's action. In 2005-06, on the tour to Pakistan, coach Greg Chappell raised similar doubts. Several former Pak players too conceded that Akhtar had chinks in his action. On the 2003-04 tour too, then skipper Sourav Ganguly had made veiled references.

The Indian team clearly wouldn't want Akhtar to gain any unfair advantage. But it can't do anything as, according to the amended rule on suspect actions, only the umpires can raise doubts over it. They have to report the bowler to the match referee for further action. Even the umpires are helpless due to the 15 degree rule. The same rule stops ICC from stepping into the frame. In other words, it means the Indian team's concerns might remain just that: concerns.

India, obviously being reacist here, complaining about a player from another country's action.

And that whole "Yes, he has been cleared. But it does not mean the clean chit is for life. This is what even the ICC rule states clearly anyway." thing? What a load of bollocks that is.

Wait, this can't be right. Nobody gets accused of chucking unless the convicts are involved.

I'm sure it's Harby that is leading the push for another look at Shoaib's action.....

other than for glawson, i'd be barracking for the stanlanders

Shaoib does chuck, and it's a well-known fact....evry time he is faced with the prospect of having to think or do any hard work, he heaves his bootsoles up.

Fred Nerk wrote:Shaoib does chuck, and it's a well-known fact....evry time he is faced with the prospect of having to think or do any hard work, he heaves his bootsoles up.

That's a side effect of the 'roids, isn't it?

If roids are meant to help your stamina and capacity for sustained physical effort, he shouls ask for his money back.

If Harmy is the PHS, would that make Shoaib the PHC?

This is pretty funny given Harby's spot in the Indian team.

ahh..so subis can't complain about chuckin.

Nice

JGK wrote:This is pretty funny given Harby's spot in the Indian team.

Which means that Aussies too can't complain about Murali.

Shoaib isn't pea hearted, whatever else he might be.