Agencies/Dubai


India’s Shikhar Dhawan has been reported for a suspect bowling action and will need to undergo tests within 14 days, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said yesterday.
Dhawan, 30, an opening batsman who rarely bowls, was reported after the fourth Test against South Africa in New Delhi on Monday when the defiant tourists were attempting to salvage a draw. As the South Africans stonewalled the Indian bowlers on the final day, frustrated skipper Virat Kohli brought on Dhawan who bowled just three overs for nine runs.
India eventually won the match by 337 runs and sealed the four-Test series 3-0. “Dhawan’s bowling action will now be scrutinised further under the ICC process relating to suspected illegal bowling actions,” the ICC said in a statement.
Dhawan, who bowls off-spins, will be allowed to play on till the results of the tests are declared, the sport’s governing body said. Dhawan has made 1,308 runs in 19 Tests but has never taken a wicket from the nine overs he has bowled in those matches.  
The ICC launched a crackdown against suspect actions in June last year, leading to several leading bowlers being reported. Other bowlers who have been up hauled up include Pakistan’s Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez, Bangladesh’s Sohag Gazi, New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, Sri Lanka’s Sachithra Senanayake and Tharindu Kaushal, and Zimbabwe’s Prosper Utseya and Malcolm Waller.

Tainted pacer Amir’s return will strengthen Pakistan: Akram
Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram backed the return of tainted left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir to the Pakistan cricket team, saying his inclusion will strength the squad.
Amir made a return to competitive cricket earlier this year after serving out a ban for his role in spot-fixing during Pakistan’s tour to England in 2010. “Amir has paid for his crime and must now be allowed back to the team. Amir’s return will strengthen Pakistan as he is currently the best bowler,” Akram was quoted as saying by The Dawn.
The former Pakistan captain was of the opinion that Amir needed to feature in more first-class games to get back in the groove but put his weight behind the 23-year-old’s selection in the World Twenty20 squad.
Akram echoed the words of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan who earlier this week hinted that Amir may be considered for the series against New Zealand in January next year. “Yes, we are looking at a him for this series and he could return to the national side on the tour,” he said.
Former captain Ramiz Raja, known to be critical of PCB’s sympathy towards tainted fast bowler, said if he had powers to make a call on the matter, he would have never let the young fast bowler play again.
“Pakistan cricket has suffered a lot. I don’t have courage to face any more shocks or jolts again. I have experienced this practically and those who have witnessed such things practically can’t forgive the characters involved in the act,” Raja said.
However, Pakistan coach Waqar Younis, who had a detailed discussion on Amir’s future with Shaharyar Khan last week, backed Amir and said “we are all on the same page” about the young fast bowler’s future in international cricket.
Since his return, Amir has taken 22 wickets in a Grade II tournament before capturing an impressive 34 in the four qualifying matches of the Quaid-e-Azam trophy.  He then grabbed 17 wickets in Pakistan’s premier first-class tournament, the Quaid-e-Azam trophy. In the Bangladesh Premier League, featuring for the Chittagong Vikings, Amir has picked up 14 wickets from 9 matches.