ICC to provide Akhtar's video footage to PCB

By Rizwan Ehsan Ali

ISLAMABAD, NOV. 17. The International Cricket Council will provide video footage of controversial speedster Shoaib Akhtar's bowling action some time next week. We will evaluate and chalk out future strategy after receiving the video footage, said Brig. Munawwar Ahmed Rana, Director Operations PCB on Saturday.

Rana agreed that Shoaib's case was in ICC's hands after the speedster was reported for the third time during the Champions Trophy in Sharjah earlier this month.

After receiving the videos, PCB would decide whether it would seek the help of West Indian fast bowler Michael Holdings to improve Shoaib's bowling action. The ICC has already clarified that it would not or cannot force the PCB or Shoaib to utlise the services of Holding.

Earlier, the PCB has requested the ICC that Shoaib be treated as a special case after a University of Western Australia cleared the speedster earlier this year when his action was suspected by Kiwi umpires during the one-day series in New Zealand. ``But they (ICC) think that Shoaib's case cannot be treated as a special one,'' Rana said.

The PCB official said that ICC had informed them that since the bowling action review process was finalised with the mutual consent of all the cricket board they cannot set a precedent by treating Shoaib's case as a special one.

'Shoaib can play in Australia'

Rana also clarified that the board has no problems if Shoaib represents Sydney-based club Mosman for which Australian paceman Brett Lee also plays.

If any Pakistani player gets a chance to play club cricket outside Pakistan, we will be more than happy because it would help them to polish their skills, Rana said.

However, Rana made it clear that Shoaib will have to make himself available for Pakistan's international commitments and also if the board decides to seek Holding's help on his suspect bowling action.

``We will keep these two aspects in mind whenever Shoaib makes a programme to go abroad and play in club cricket'', Rana said.

Pakistan has no international commitment until early January next year when it plays a two-Test series in Bangladesh. However, the board is planning to organise a training camp in Lahore from December 1 in two phases.

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