DHAKA: Taskin Ahmed is a budding genius of Bangladesh and world cricket. His brief career so far has seen early sparks, continued battle with injury and now the controversial decision by ICC over his bowling action.

He bowls fast, he bowls accurate and he creates sensation. He had no issues with his bowling action when he emerged in world cricket. No umpire during ICC world cup in 2015 found anything wrong with his bowling action. No report was made even during the recent Asia Cup he played not in the distant past. In the group match of T20 world cup against Netherlands he did not bowl a single bouncer. He was reported by the umpires possibly about certain deliveries. Later in the test in Chennai his normal deliveries and stock balls passed the tests. He was asked to bowl bouncers which however were not reported? His bouncers have been questioned. What prompted ICC in taking extraordinarily quick actions? Is it fair to suspend Taskin in the present case? What do the relevant ICC rules say? Can we get logical explanation from anyone?

Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha questioned fairness of ICC match action immediately after his bowlers were reported. Heath Streak mentioned that Taskin did not change his action at all to earn such harsh decision. They are not fools.

Some other bowlers of top teams bend their arms and wrist much more than Taskin. They are not being reported. Why Taskin then? Is it a ploy to hurt Bangladesh cause? Is it a ploy to smoothen the path of ICC’s chosen teams to semi-final? Taskin along with Mustafiz, Al-Amin and Mashrafe can threaten the best of the best on their day.

We have not seen the text of BCB appeal. But we heard they have done it. We also heard that the relevant committee of ICC already had emergency meeting. The outcome may be known soon.

We have strong belief that Taskin’s action is well within legitimate limits. If there is anything wrong with his bouncers he may be allowed to bowl without bouncers till he rectifies it. But suspending him altogether is illegitimate harsh action. I hope ICC will come to sense and withdraw suspension forthwith.

It was great of enigmatic captain Mashrafe announcing solidarity with his young charge Taskin. Mashrafe and the team could not digest this unjust action. Staying within the players’ code of conduct Mashrafe expressed his emotions and feelings. He rightly said that Taskin has bright future. He is here to serve the nation for the next decade as the premium fast bowler. No one has right to extinguish his fire.

In fact, entire Bangladeshi nation and sympathetic friendly people of the world is with Bengal Tigers. Social media, print media and electronic media are equally vocal. We strongly believe that ICC decision will be reversed.

Time has come to challenge the ICC favoring some teams all the time. All teams must get fair and equal treatment in international tournament. The biased and at times intentional one-sided umpiring decisions badly hurt the cause of weaker teams.

ICC is for all its member countries. But hurriedly taken apparently biased actions of ICC against Bangladeshi bowlers amply evidence that ICC is one-eyed. The person who spoiled the ICC reputation the most is no longer there. Time has come to prove the fairness and neutrality of ICC. Hope it will be proved through withdrawing Taskin’s suspension today (March 21).

BDST: 0838 HRS, MAR 21, 2016
SR