Umpires question Akhtar’s action

Suspicion about Akhtar’s bowling delivery is the last thing Wasim Akram’s tourists needed in the midst of an imminent Pakistan government report into allegations of match-fixing and betting. And all this comes just four days before the opening Test against Australia at the Gabba here.

Pakistan were beaten twice in Perth last week and were belted during today’s play against Queensland as the home side racked up 318 for five in their second innings.

Styled The Rawalpindi Express during his lightning-fast spells at this year’s World Cup, Akhtar’s delivery was notmentioned in the official match report from Emerson and Prue but they were concerned enough to forward video footage for official scrutiny.

The ACB contacted skipper Akram after today’s play to tell him that Akhtar’s action had not been questioned through official channels. The Pakistani captain was unaware of the video.

“It’s more than clear, Shoaib’s action… You mean the referees all over the world he played under can’t see or can’t judge a player?” Akram said in reference to Akhtar’s 10-Test and 27 One-Day International appearances.

“Why, whenever opposition comes here, do people have a goat them in such a way instead of praising the talent we have and thinking `Oh God, he’s the fastest bowler, he’s going to get some wickets’ and having a go at him in a negative way?”

“That’s not on, people should admire the Pakistan team which is full of talented players and they should enjoy the cricket.”

Asked whether his team expected trouble in Australia in the light of the Muralitharan affair, Akramsaid: “We were all prepared for something like that, yes we were. (But) the ACB told us there is nothing in the report and everything is fine.”

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is investigating the possibility that another Pakistani quickie, Shabbir Ahmed, is a chucker. Ahmed was selected in the original 16-man squad to tour Australia but was forced out until the ICC decides whether his action is legal. A decision is expected this week.