Cricket: Pakistan all-rounder under chucking cloud

LONDON - Pakistan cricket all-rounder Shahid Afridi is under a chucking cloud just a month out from his side's tour of New Zealand.

Leg-spinner Afridi was reported by Australian match referee Barry Jarman after one-day games against England in Pakistan in October.

Afridi, a top-order one-day batsman as well, is likely to be part of the Pakistan tour squad.

He scored the fastest century in one-day internationals when he hit 102 in 37 balls against Sri Lanka in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1996.

The International Cricket Council revealed yesterday that the 20-year-old was one of three reported for possible chucking.

The actions of Bangladesh captain and off-spinner Naimur Rahman and slow left-armer Mohammad Rafique were questioned by umpires Steve Bucknor, of the West Indies, and England's David Shepherd during the test against India in Dhaka during November.

Detailed video tapes of the bowlers have been forwarded to the ICC, the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

These will be used to analyse and review the actions of the three cricketers.

Each of the reports is being dealt with under the new three-stage reporting and review process introduced by the ICC at the beginning of this month.

Although this was not technically in place at the time of the reportings, the decision recognises the fact that the new process was imminent at the time.

Each of the cricketers is now undergoing a six-week period of consultation with bowling experts who have been appointed by their individual boards.

At the end of that period, in mid-February, a report will be circulated by the boards to the players, the ICC and the international panel of referees and umpires.

All three can continue to play international cricket during the six-week review period, although in these particular cases neither Pakistan nor Bangladesh are involved in series until Pakistan visit New Zealand for five one-day internationals and three test matches from February 17.

Afridi has played 11 tests since his debut against Australia in 1998-99.

He has captured 20 wickets, at 29 apiece, and scored 594 runs at an average of 31.26.

He has hit one century (141) and three half-centuries, and taken one five-wicket bag (5-52).

Afridi made his first international one-day appearance against Kenya in 1996-97.

In his 119 matches since he has scored 2673 runs at an average of 23.86 and taken 78 wickets with an economy rate of 4.71.

His highest score is 109 and best bowling return five for 40.

It is not the first time a Pakistani bowler has been at the centre of a chucking controversy.

Paceman Shoaib Akhtar has come under constant scrutiny, and was at one point prevented from playing by the ICC until his action was examined.

- NZPA