Shoaib Malik's bowling action under scanner in Pakistan's domestic tournament - reports

Shoaib Malik’s bowling action has reportedly come under scrutiny in Pakistan’s domestic tournament

Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik has reportedly come under the scanner for a doubtful action in Pakistan’s domestic cricket league, but hasn’t been reported officially by the umpires yet.

Not a regular for the national team any longer, Malik’s action has been viewed by officials after a match in the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy first-class tournament, a PTI report claimed.

“They have doubts over the legality of some of the deliveries sent down by Malik on the first day of the four-day game for ZTBL against Karachi Dolphins at the national stadium on Friday,” PTI quoted a ‘well informed source’ in the report.

The 32-year all-rounder is leading the Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited squad in the first-class tournament, and has had a good start to the tournament.

Starting firstclass season for ZTBL from tomorrow new team looking forward to the season and Excited also!

— Shoaib malik (@realshoaibmalik) October 10, 2014

In the first match, he went wicketless but scored a half-century in a drawn game. In the second, he scored another half-century and picked 6 wickets in the match as ZTBL won by an innings an 25 runs.

In the ongoing match against Karachi, on Friday, Malik picked 5 wickets in the first innings, and the report says that some of his deliveries looked suspicious to match officials after they were viewed on video after the end of the day.

“The umpires and match referee have viewed his bowling later on the clips captured by the video analyst,” the source added.

There have been conflicting reports whether Malik has been officially reported by the umpires or not, or his action is just being monitored.

According to an Express Tribune report, umpires Qaiser Waheed and Jamil Kamran have sent a report on Malik’s action to referee Anwer Khan, and a decision is expected after the match. However, there have been reports from sources that Malik is yet to be reported officially.

PCB says that Shoaib Malik hasn't been reported for a suspect bowling action during the ongoing Quaid e Azam trophy match #Cricket #Pakistan

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) October 25, 2014

Malik last played for Pakistan in the World T20 earlier this year. He hasn’t played a Test since August 2010, while his last ODI for Pakistan came in England during Champions Trophy last year.

However, he has been a regular in T20 leagues around the world, playing for Barbados Tridents in Caribbean Premier League T20 and Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League.

The off-spinner has been reported for his action earlier in international cricket, but was cleared after tests showed that the flexion was within the tolerance level of 15 degrees.