The PCB decided not to impose any sanctions on Mohammad Hafeez

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided not to punish all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez after they accepted his explanation that his comments criticising the International Cricket Council (ICC) were misinterpreted.

Hafeez, whose bowling action was recently cleared, had lashed out at the ICC for their system of reporting bowlers with suspect actions.

While the PCB initially did nothing, they issued a show cause notice after the ICC expressed their displeasure towards Hafeez’s remarks.

When appearing before the board’s three-member disciplinary committee, which consisted of Haroon Rasheed, the Cricket Operations director, Amjad Hussain, the Media & Co-ordination director, and Salman Naseer, the General Manager – Legal, Hafeez told them that his comments had been taken out of context.

The committee accepted Hafeez’s explanation and asked him to speak to the media in order to clarify when he had meant to say.

“My intention was not criticise ICC protocols nor did I mention any respected cricket board in my interview,” Hafeez was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. “The interview was all about my suggestions to improve the [Bowling action tests] standards and to remove doubts if any from minds of fans of cricket. Unfortunately my comments were misinterpreted and used out of context.”