March 6, 2002	Wednesday	Zilhaj 21, 1422

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LAHORE, March 5: Pakistan junior pacer Junaid Zia Tuesday admitted that he was disappointed after being reported for a suspect bowling action but wowed to fight his way back.

“It is very disappointing and disturbing for someone as young as me to have been reported for a suspect action. But I am determined to overcome this crisis and continue to make progress,” Junaid said the Gaddafi Stadium.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) last week said Junaid was reported four times in six matches during the Youth World Cup in New Zealand where he finished as pick of the Pakistan bowlers with 13 wickets.

Junaid is presently working with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) bowling advisors and was also seen carrying out workouts with the national team Tuesday morning.

“It is a difficult time and I know it is a stigma on his my career but I am confident and keen to put things right and leave this period behind me as quickly as possible,” he said.

Junaid expressed surprise that none of the umpires or match referees informed the team management about his action. But he agreed that questions were raised.

“In the match against Zimbabwe, the match referee told Haroon Rasheed [coach] that he thought I had some problems in my action. But the real problem arose was against India when the Sri Lankan umpire [Asoka de Silva] called my captain [Salman Butt] and told him that he thought I was throwing.

“The umpire had raised objections on my bounces and in the end, those turned out to the deliveries that are under question. But now I am working on it and also trying to become side-on instead of being open chested,” the young man said.

The youngster admitted that it was a disadvantage of being Lt Gen Tauqir Zia’s son. “He is the chairman of the board and therefore, eyebrows are raised whenever I am selected. No one praises my talent or effort. But my job is to silence the critics with my performance in the field by letting the ball do all the talking.”