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It seems, as long as we are alive, Pakistan cricket will never remain out of the headlines for one reason or the other. For the last 5-6 years, there’s been an unnatural rivalry between the Pakistani cricket team and the ICC.
Once again, the ICC has managed to infuriate Pakistani cricket team fans all over the world, along with one of Pakistan’s most capable leaders and bowlers. As per latest news, the ICC has banned Muhammad Hafeez from bowling, due to his illegal action.
This is not the first time Hafeez has been banned for his bowling action. In 2015, the ICC banned Hafeez for 12-months, following which he changed his action and was given clearance to bowl again. However, only 2 years later, the authority has slapped him with another ban.
In protest, Muhammad Hafeez has already withdrawn from the Bangladesh Premier League T-20 series. Hafeez, who is one of the most talented players in the team and a veteran, has been in the business for a long time. At this stage of his career, it doesn’t seem very likely that he would change his action again, just for the ICC’s approval.
People on social media are not taking to the news lightly, with Pakistani fans from all over the world angry, calling the ICC out. Here’s how people are reacting on Twitter.
Strongly condemn the ban on Mohammed hafeez the no. 1 all rounder latest, @ICC dear how u do this?
Very very cheap policy now all Pakistani should take a step @MHafeez22 we are with u— US A Ma (@SyedOsamaGhani) November 16, 2017
Sab ache bowlers ko ban krdo! @ICC
Pehly Ajmal ko kiya tha
Ab Hafeez ko kiya!
Jo Baqi reh gaye hain unhe bhi krdo haramiyo.— Joweria. ? (@JoweriaMalik_) November 16, 2017
Ban on Muhammad Hafeez’s bowling action was on the cards..
— ASAD ULLAH QASIM (@asad_q78) November 16, 2017
100% RAW and BCCI big Nexus on Mohammad Hafeez action ban
— Hardik Patel (@kyahaibosdk) November 16, 2017
ICC ban Hafeez from bowling because his action is illegal but Ashwin can still bowl ? what a joke
— Uzzyyyyy?? (@Uzzyyyy) November 16, 2017
Ban after Ban..
Bc Ban ??
All bans have been restricted to Pakistan huh
Muhammad Hafeez bowling has been suspended
By International Chawal Council pic.twitter.com/8nQUwnKl2f— Mmmm… (@Waqas_amjad) November 16, 2017
All you needed was two steps and bowl straight hafeez #ICC #ban #injustice #unfair special test only for Pak bowlers :p
— kashif farid (@kashif670) November 16, 2017
Hafeez’s ban is bad news for Pakistan’s LOIs. He is a perfect allrounder but if he has to play as a batsman, he should be batting 6/7. Now it becomes difficult for the balance of the team.
— Darab ?? (@DarabBinSaeed) November 16, 2017
Many are calling it the end of Muhammad Hafeez’s career, with the all-rounder now at the age of 37. While fans have rushed to Hafeez’s aid and support, others are happy that this will give an opportunity for young players to shine, such as Imad Wasim.
Whatever the case may be, it seems that the ICC has taken a personal grudge against Pakistani bowlers, while others who belong to different international teams continue to bowl with worse elbow sways than Hafeez, or Saeed Ajmal.
