More questions than answers

It was all but confirmed that Bangladesh pace bowler Taskin Ahmed will travel to Chennai on March 14 to undergo a bio-metric test after being reported for a suspect action during the Tigers' ICC World T20 qualifier against the Netherlands on March 9.

Meanwhile left-arm spinner Arafat Sunny, who was also reported in the same match, will travel to the the same ICC-designated centre sometime today.

The issue of suspect bowling actions of the two Bangladesh bowlers created quite a stir in Dharamsala, with most people including the Bangladesh team management expressing surprise and shock at a ruling that could not have come at a worse time with the Tigers battling with a lot of injury issues.

Actually the Bangladesh team management was reportedly in an argument with the game’s ruling body over the timing of the test. It was learnt that the team management wanted to schedule the tests of both players after their qualifying phase ends on March 13.

But the ICC, understandably against the delay considering that it would give unfair advantage to the team in question, wanted the test and results to be completed before the stipulated seven-day time.

While the official process was taking shape, Bangladesh coach Chandika Hatuhrusingha took a swipe at the ruling a day after both players were reported.

“I have not spoken to them [match officials]. But that's a concern as well. They have concerns about my bowlers and I have concerns about their action as well,” he said acidly on Thursday.

Although there was a mixed reaction about Arafat Sunny, not many were convinced about the ruling on Taskin.

The argument was that Taskin played the Under-19 World Cup four years back. And it was the best stage and time for the ICC to detect any alleged illegality surrounding the bowler's action. He also played the World Cup last year and has bowled beautifully in the five Asia Cup games in Dhaka last week.

Why was he not reported during that long period of time? It also led to many smelling something fishy in it. He has troubled a lot of batsmen in the Asia Cup with his pace. His six perfect yorkers against the Netherlands were a beholder's delight.

There is no inherent problem with the action the ICC is taking at the moment. If he has any problems with his action it must be corrected, perhaps for his own benefit more than anything else. He is not only an asset for Bangladesh cricket, but for world cricket.

It is appalling to see that swords are now out to crucify the bowler from a quarter even in Bangladesh, who claim that they were convinced about some of his questionable deliveries, especially his bouncers long ago.

Their wisdom and understanding about the finer details must be appreciated, but it seems that they have reacted a bit late and should have had the courage to go public then and not now.

It's not the end of the world for Taskin. It's something many bowlers in the world, and perhaps the best in the likes of one Muttiah Muralidharan, have gone through.

Taskin will go through it. It will be a small case of discomfort for him compared to the hellish fitness regimen he has been going through at this tender age. He has already become Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza's blue-eyed boy for the tenacity he has shown. He will return to action sooner or later. But we will never know if it's a clear case involving just cricket, a game that once belonged to gentlemen.