Harbhajan allowed to bowl with UWA action - ICC

The ICC today confirmed that Indian spinner, Harbhajan Singh, will be able to continue to bowl in international cricket provided that he uses an action consistent with that used in the bio-mechanical tests conducted at the University of Western Australia in February 2005.

The decision follows the report of the independent bio-mechanist, Mr Marc Portus, who conducted a further analysis of Mr Singh's action following the report by match officials made during the recent India v Pakistan series.

The Portus Report identified several differences in the actions employed by Harbhajan during the match against Pakistan and that analysed at the University of Western Australia but was unable to reach a definitive conclusion on the action used in the Pakistan match.

ICC General Manager Cricket, David Richardson, said that while the differences in the actions were identified, Mr Portus had advised that he could not reach a conclusive decision because of differences in the footage quality and the camera angles.

"There is no doubt that the action analysed in the University of Western Australia showed Harbhajan bowling with an action that is in accordance with the regulations," said Mr Richardson.

"The analysis of the action used during the Pakistan match identifies some differences including the position of the feet and the speed of the delivery.

"However, Mr Portus was unable to reach a definitive conclusion on the action used against Pakistan because of the quality of the footage and the camera angles used.

"On this basis the ICC has advised the BCCI that Harbhajan is able to bowl in international cricket provided his action is consistent with that used in the University of Western Australia laboratory.

"Should his action deteriorate, it is possible that the match referees would again report him and this would raise the prospect of further bio-mechanical analysis," said Mr Richardson.

"BCCI welcomes the ICC decision to allow Harbhajan to bowl in international cricket. BCCI firmly believes that no bowler is licensed to throw. But at the same time, if a prima facie case cannot be established against the bowler, he should be allowed to play with a free mind. This cricket-friendly decision would not only lift the morale of Harbhajan, but also the other bowlers around the globe", said Mr. S.K. Nair, the Honary Secretary of BCCI.

In order for Harbhjan to be given the opportunity to understand the points of concern raised in the Portus Report, the BCCI has accepted an offer from the ICC for Mr Richardson to meet with Harbhajan and his coach to go through the specific points raised in the report

"The chance to sit with Harbhajan and his coach to talk through the points raised will provide the best opportunity for to avoid concerns arising in the future," said Mr Richardson.