Date:29/05/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/05/29/stories/2005052912721900.htm

Sport

ICC gives all clear to Harbhajan's action

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: "I hope this issue will not bother me any more. I hope I won't have to give any more tests to prove my bowling action," said a much-relieved Harbhajan Singh in response to the International Cricket Council (ICC) granting him clearance from doubts regarding his bowling action.

Speaking to The Hindu from London, Harbhajan said: "It's been a tough period for me, trying to recover from the scrutiny that I've been subjected to for some time now by all and sundry. I'm very relieved, very happy, and would thank the Board for supporting me all the way."

The ICC on Saturday cleared the ace Indian off-spinner of suspect bowling action, an issue that had haunted Harbhajan for more than a year. Dave Richardson will speak to Harbhajan on behalf of the ICC, which conveyed its decision to the Board this evening.

"I always believed that I had a clean action. I was clear in my mind but I was bound by certain factors. I couldn't even speak my mind. I have suffered for some time. The mental agony was too much for me. I've bowled with the same action for six years in international cricket and I just didn't know how to react but I was always confident because I had the right people backing me. My family, fans, friends, well-wishers and above all the Board. I hope this clearance means I've been cleared for life," said Harbhajan.

When told that he was now eligible to play international cricket, Harbhajan responded, "It's great news. The ICC must have reviewed my action and I hope not to confront this problem ever again in my life. I'll be able to concentrate on my bowling and perform better than I did in the past. I thank all those who had faith in me."

Playing for Surrey

Harbhajan also said he would be playing for Surrey from the coming week. "Believe me more than any pressure it was the pain of missing cricket that bothered me. I used to feel very sad but I was sure I would be cleared. I came to England to pursue my county stint because no one had stopped me from bowling in international cricket.

"I have not come to Surrey for money but to gain experience, to play with a free mind. At the end of the day, I am happy only on the cricket field. This experience has made me mentally stronger than ever before," said Harbhajan, who revealed that he had completely recovered from the side-strain that had haunted him the last three months.

The Board President, Ranbir Singh Mahendra, said: "The ICC agreed to the stand we had taken in regard to Harbhajan's action. He has been cleared without any reservations and will not be required to go through any further bio-mechanical tests. He has already given two tests in this regard."