CHENNAI: Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez was in the city on Wednesday to undertake unofficial tests on his bowling action at the biomechanics lab at the Sri Ramachandra Arthroscopy and Sports Sciences Centre, which is recognised by the International Cricket Council, as per the directive of the Pakistan board.
Hafeez was in the city for half a day and spent couple of hours at the lab where he underwent extensive tests and left for Pakistan on Wednesday itself. Former Tamil Nadu player D Vasu is the bowling coach at the centre in-charge for ICC protocol testing, analysis and rehab. Hafeez casually interacted with Vasu, who, though, was reluctant to divulge the details of the conversation.
But sources revealed that Hafeez may not be cleared in a jiffy as clearance takes time. “Hafeez went through the tests in a professional manner. He fully cooperated and did not show any sign of nervousness or anger for being put to tests. The entire process lasted for a couple of hours,’’ said a source at the centre.
Hafeez’s visit was unofficial and he discussed his action with experts and took opinions where he had gone wrong, what exactly was the problem and how it had occurred in the first place.
The extensive tests report will take a couple of days to be presented officially to the PCB. The last date for announcing the squads for the World Cup is January 7. “Therefore there is hardly any time left for a remedy in case Hafeez needs some rectification which will take at least three months to complete. In case Hafeez is picked and plays and by bad luck is called for chucking once again, he cannot play for one year. From what he spoke it looks like he will play the World Cup may be as a batsman, if does not get the clearance for his action before the deadline,’’ added the source.
