Dave Richardson praises Harbhajan Singh for setting right example with regards to chucking

Harbhajan Singh

The CEO of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Dave Richardson has lauded discarded Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, saying that the 34-year-old did a exceptional job in correcting his action and had set the right example for all those who had been called for suspect action.

Speaking on the sidelines of an event where luxury watch brand ‘Hublot’ was announced as the official timekeeper for 2015 Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, the former South-African wicket-keeper said that it was no conspiracy on the part of the ICC to report players with a suspect action.

"At one stage his (Harbhajan Singh) action came under a bit of scrutiny. He did a fantastic job in adapting his action to make sure that he was now bowling legally. And now there is no question mark about the way he bowls. I think yes the ICC has cracked down on bowlers that are extending their arm during the delivery and there is no conspiracy about the timing of it,” Richardson said.

Chucking – Enough was enough

Reacting to comments stating that the board’s crackdown on suspect action hadn’t come at the right time, Richardson said that the time had indeed come for the ICC to take strict action against those who were going against the rules. He added that he was happy to see those reported, try to make changes to their action.

"We reached a stage where too many bowlers were starting to bend the rules (excuse the pun). And the cricket committee backed up by the ICC board decided that action needed to be taken. But having said that I really think that bowlers that have been reported are doing the right thing by working on their actions to come back as legal bowlers. And also the message is out there loud and clear to teams that don't mess, don't pick players who have got suspicious actions. Pick people who can bowl legally,” he said.

ICC doing a good job in trying to keep cricket clean: Harbhajan

Harbhajan, who was present during the event, praised the ICC for trying to keep the game as clean as possible and ensuring that reported cricketers are allowed to return once the necessary changes are made.

"Not just once but twice I have been called. Once it was 1999 when I just started my cricket and 2006. So there is a limit set by the ICC and if any bowler goes beyond that limit there are people who are watching it. They are not asking anyone to stop playing cricket but all they are saying just go to the school and learn to bowl within the limits of ICC,” he said.

So I think it is great thing what you have done and as Dave said the doors are not closed for anyone, if you bowl within the limit you can still play cricket and enjoy bowling the "Doosra" or whatever delivery you want to bowl. So it's a great inititaive taken by the ICC,” he added.