LAHORE: Rehabilitation of bowlers, who were reported in domestic cricket for suspect bowling action, has begun at the National Cricket Academy with only two members of the PCB bowling review committee available to work on them.

Around 30 bowlers including some in under-19 cricket were reported but in the first phase six were called to the academy.

A four-member bowling review committee was formed by the PCB recently in which NCA head coach Mohammad Akram, NCA general manager Ali Zia, spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmad and elite umpire Aleem Dar [if he is not available, then Ahsan Raza] are members.

But as Aleem, Ahsan and Mushtaq are not available because of their international assignments, only Akram and Ali Zia are working on the bowlers.

However, it will be a gigantic task for the committee to complete the work on all the suspect bowlers before the start of the Quaid-i-Azam Gold and Silver Cups, which are scheduled to begin from Oct 12.

Eid-ul-Azha holidays are also creating problems for the committee to complete it well before the first-class event.

It is learnt that Ataullah, who was selected in the Pakistan ‘A’ team recently for the upcoming series against the UAE despite being in the list of chuckers, has also reported to the bowling review committee.

“Yes, two members of the bowling review committee are not available but the technical staff, which has major role in this process of rehabilitation is available and is working with Akram and Ali Zia,” a PCB official told Dawn on the condition of anonymity.

“The PCB could have engaged Mushtaq with these suspect bowlers but as head coach Waqar Younis wanted him with the national team, the PCB sent him to the UAE,” the official said.

About off-spinner Saeed Ajmal’s rehabilitation from the same charge of chucking, the official said Saqlain Mushtaq, who has been hired to work with Ajmal, has given an encouraging initial report and has hopes for a successful return of the bowler in international cricket.

“Ajmal is working very hard with Saqlain and he is upbeat for his return to international cricket,” the PCB official said.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that umpire Aleem Dar is not interested to work as a member of the bowling review committee since he is associated with the International Cricket Council.

Umpire Ahsan Raza is also facing the same conflict of interest like that of Aleem.

Published in Dawn, October 2nd , 2014