Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain is set to undergo a test on his bowling action on Tuesday, after it was reported by umpires in the Big Bash League. Hasnain has just finished a productive five-game stint with Sydney Thunder but will now undergo the test at the ICC-accredited biomechanics laboratory in Lahore.
The 21-year-old, who once bowled a 155kph delivery in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), made a strong impact in his debut season at the BBL. He came in as a replacement for English quick Saqib Mahmood, and took 3 for 20 in Thunder's 28-run win over Adelaide Strikers, his debut.
In a statement, Cricket Australia confirmed it was during that first appearance that he was reported by the umpires. He played another four matches in the competition.
In his last game against Sydney Sixers, Moises Henriques was heard on the stump mic saying "nice throw mate" to Hasnain, after he bowled him a bouncer. Hasnain didn't pick up a wicket in that game though he was economical (4-0-22-0), as Sixers won the match by 60 runs. In the five games he played, Hasnain conceded runs at just 6.00 per over while taking seven wickets at average of 15.71.
Hasnain was due to undergo a test on his action on January 19 in Australia, but because he was due to return to Pakistan at the end of his stint and because there is an ICC-accredited testing facility in Lahore, it was decided he would get tested there.
The test comes at a crucial time for Hasnain, given that the PSL's seventh season is due to begin in less than ten days in Karachi and Hasnain is an important part of the Quetta Gladiators squad. If the test finds his action to be legal, he will continue playing as usual. But if he is found to have an illegal action, he will be suspended from bowling in international cricket and domestic events around the world until he corrects his action.
Under clause 11.5 of the ICC's regulations and protocols surrounding illegal actions, the PCB - as Hasnain's national cricket federation - can permit him to bowl in their domestic events. Hasnain could be allowed to bowl in the PSL, though in the past they have not permitted bowlers with suspect actions to bowl in the league.
In any case, he is allowed to bowl until the results of his testing come out, which could take up to 14 days. That means, in theory, he could be fine to bowl in the opening games of the PSL.
As the initial report was made during a BBL match, CA will review and verify the report provided by the PCB's testing facility.