‘Even his pehla is not genuine’

‘‘The ICC decision has come too late in the day. What’s the use after the bowler had surpassed the world record of 520 wickets? Will ICC erase all those wickets? What’s the use of putting a stop to the ‘doosra’ now?,’’ he asked rather angrily.

Bedi too blamed the methods used by the ICC to find fault with Murali’s bowling action. ‘‘Why are they (ICC) resorting to geometrical methods to assess bowling actions of cricketers. The field umpires must decide with their human eyes. You can’t decide things with the help of protractors,’’ he said.

Bedi also criticised all cricketers and administrators who were defending the Sri Lankan off-spinner. ‘‘By defending the bowler, they are only adding to his problems. In Murali’s case, one cannot sit on the fence. Either he’s a chucker or a genuine bowler. There’s no in-between.’’

Bedi feels that by allowing Murali to continue to bowl the way he has been all these years, the ICC had set a bad precedent. ‘‘He’s become an idol in Sri Lanka. All youngsters will definitely follow his example. It will have a bad impact on the younger generation,’’ Bedi said.

Bedi felt the latest ICC decision may yet find some long-term solution to the problem. ‘‘Truth must not only prevail, it has to be seen to prevail. Unfortunately, the ICC has failed in its duty to serve the game,’’ Bedi remarked. ‘‘Until the ICC takes stern action against the culprits, javelin throwers and shot putters like Murali will continue to dominate the cricket field!’’