Mohammad Hasnain found to have illegal action, suspended from bowling in international cricket

Mohammad Hasnain's bowling action has been found to be illegal. The Pakistan fast bowler underwent tests on his action last month at the ICC-accredited biomechanics laboratory at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS); a subsequent report, ESPNcricinfo understands, found that a majority of the deliveries he bowled exceeded the 15-degree tolerance limit for a legal bowling action. Ten out of the 11 deliveries that he bowled in the lab clocked extension ranging from 17 to 24 degrees.

"The PCB today received a formal and detailed report from Cricket Australia on Mohammad Hasnain's assessment test, which stated his elbow extension for his good length delivery, full length delivery, slow bouncer and bouncer exceeded the 15-degree limits," the PCB said in a statement. "The PCB has discussed the report with its own bowling experts and is confident that the problem can be resolved. The PCB will now appoint a bowling consultant who will work with Mohammad Hasnain so that he can rectify his bowling action and be ready for a reassessment."

Hasnain was first reported last month by umpires in the Big Bash League, where he was playing for Sydney Thunder. Ordinarily, he would have been tested in Australia. But because he was due to travel back to Pakistan to play in the PSL, it was decided he would undergo the testing in Lahore. Hasnain played for his franchise Quetta Gladiators in their first three games of the season, as regulations allowed him to, but was benched for their loss to Islamabad United on Thursday evening in Karachi.

According to the ICC's regulations on illegal bowling actions, the PCB can allow him to continue bowling in their domestic tournaments. But they have decided against it.

"Mohammad Hasnain is an asset for Pakistan and one of the very few bowlers to consistently click 145kmp," the PCB statement added. "As such, and keeping his future and Pakistan's interest at the forefront, the PCB, on the recommendation of the HBL PSL 2022 Technical Committee, has decided he will not be allowed to continue to participate in the HBL Pakistan Super League.

"Instead, he will use this time to work with the PCB-appointed bowling consultant to modify his bowling action so that he can apply for a reassessment and become eligible to return to international cricket as quickly as practically possible. As per the Illegal Bowling Action Regulations, until Mohammad Hasnain clears his reassessment, he will remain suspended from bowling in international cricket."

Disallowing Hasnain from bowling in the PSL is not without precedent. In 2016, the board prevented Mohammad Hafeez from bowling in the PSL after his action was found to be illegal.

The 21-year-old has been a constant presence in and around Pakistan's white-ball squads and already has a T20I hat-trick to his name. He had impressed in his short stint at the BBL, recruited as a replacement for English quick Saqib Mahmood, and he took 3 for 20 in Thunder's 28-run win over Adelaide Strikers on his debut.

Hasnain had picked up three wickets in the PSL so far, while conceding 8.44 runs per over.