Pakistan may omit paceman Shabbir

Published November 19, 2005

FAISALABAD, Nov 18: Pacer Shabbir Ahmed might not be picked for the second Test against England starting here on Sunday. Shabbir and off-spinner Shoaib Malik were reported for suspect bowling actions by the umpires after the first Test in Multan.

Pakistan skipper Inzamamul Haq told reporters on Friday. “We have to see how it goes because it is not good for him (Ahmed) or the team to be reported again.

“We might decide not to play him. We don’t want to risk damaging his career. He is already feeling the strain.”

Shabbir, 29, took five wickets in Pakistan’s first Test win, twice getting out England’s best player Marcus Trescothick who scored 193 and five in the match.

Several of his deliveries in the match, including some during a spell of three wickets on the third day, have been questioned by the umpires and are being scrutinised by the ICC.

Shabbir was also reported for his action in May after a test against the West Indies in Barbados.

The ICC was due to examine footage of both bowlers in Dubai on Friday, according to a Pakistan board official, and then pass on a decision whether Shabbir should continue to play.—Agencies #

Opinion

Editorial

A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...
GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...