Ruling against Akhtar was unfair and unjustifiable — Dalmiya

“The entire footage should be reviewed and not just part it of it,” Dalmiya told reporters last night giving reasons for his clearing Akhtar alongwith ICC cricket committee chairman Sir Clyde Walcott which has led to severe criticism by the ICC Throwing Panel that had slapped a one-month ban.

Asked whether clearing Akhtar did not amount to interference in the ICC Throwing Panel’s functioning, he said, “We do not want to interfere, but there should be a proper policy, principle and procedures to be followed.”

Calling for framing of proper guidelines to handle the ticklish issue, Dalmiya said the issue will be discussed at the ICC executive meeting slated for Feb 9-10 next in Singapore.

TREMORS IN AUSTRALIA

MELBOURNE: Top Australian officials expressed concern on Tuesday about the precedent set by ICC president and Sir Clyde Walcott in overturning a ban imposed on Pakistani paceman Shoaib Akhtar.

Australian Cricket Board (ACB) chairman Denis Rogers told a newsconference that he did not oppose Akhtar’s right to play but was concerned about the way he was reinstated after an ICC panel had seen fit to suspend him.

“I am worried about the processes involved and the precedent it sets,” Rogers said.

“Vetoes are dangerous and that is why I want to see how this process worked. I don’t understand the process involved.”

Akhtar was suspended for a month by the ICC’s advisory panel which ruled that his action, particularly his bouncer and extra-fast delivery, amounted to throws rather than being bowled.

But the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appealed and Dalmiya and Sir Clyde lifted the ban, apparently without consulting the panel, allowing Akhtar to play for Pakistan in the triangular series which started in Brisbane on Sunday.

Rogers said he had tried to secure an explanation from the ICC president but had failed.

“I’m happy to have it explained to me, and I’ve left no stone unturned in trying to get in contact with Mr Dalmiya, but I’ve had no luck,” Rogers said.

Meanwhile, Nottinghamshire claimed the latest ICC decision in the Akhtar saga has left them in limbo. Akhtar has been cleared to play for Pakistan in the current One-Day International series in Australia but Notts remain concerned about where their new overseas signing stands with regard to first-class matches.

ICC had stated that because the problem was with his bouncer, an illegal delivery in one-day cricket, it would permit Akhtar to play. But Notts assistant cricket manager Mick Newell is not happy with the ruling, saying it left Notts “in limbo”.

He said: “Shoaib might have been cleared to play in One-Day Internationals, but it would appear he is still in trouble with regards to test and first class cricket.

“As a result, we must go through another month with proceedings on hold. It is nice to see him playing again but the ICC have not cleared up the situation in any way, and we remain very concered”.