Pakistan's fast-bowling sensation reported for suspected illegal bowling action after Aussie's on-field complaint

Pakistan's young fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain will undergo a test as his bowling action was reported by the umpires in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL 2021-22).

As per a report by ESPNCricinfo, Hasnain's bowling action will be tested on January 18 at the biomechanics laboratory in Lahore which is accredited by International Cricket Council.

Interestingly, before getting called up by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) ahead of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022 which is scheduled to start on January 27, Hasnain was accused of throwing the ball by Australian all-rounder and Sydney Sixers captain Moises Henriques. Initially, the fast bowler was supposed to get tested in Australia on January 19 but PSL commitment led to the change in venue. 

The 21-year-old express fast bowler recently finished a five-game stint for Sydney Thunder as a replacement for England's Saqib Mahmood. He took three wickets on his BBL debut against Adelaide Strikers. 

In total, he took seven wickets from five games helping Chris Green-led Thunders qualify for the playoffs. 

Henriques was heard saying ‘Nice throw, mate’ in the 12th over as Hasnain troubled him with raw pace. While other Thunder's bowlers were taken to the cleaners, Hasnain turned out to be the most economical as he conceded 22 runs in his quota of four overs.

While Hasnain’s tests are awaited, he will be able to bowl for Quetta Gladiators in the opening games of PSL 2022 as it is a domestic event. However, in the past, PSL has not allowed bowlers with suspected bowling action to bowl in the league. 

If the tests do not go Hasnain’s way, he will be banned from bowling in competitive cricket until he makes changes to his action and gets clearance from ICC. 

Hasnain has played for Pakistan in 18 T20Is and 7 ODIs taking 12 and 17 wickets respectively. Despite a decent record, Hasnain was not a part of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad which qualified for the semi-final. After his successful stint, he can be considered for this year’s T20 World Cup to be played in Australia if he passes the test.