Aliss back in Kansas as action reported

There were many questions within the local cricket fraternity after Aliss Al Islam made headlines by becoming the first bowler in T20 history to pick up a hattrick on debut, with many wondering how it was possible that a bowler whose action has repeatedly come under the scanner during local league matches had gotten the chance to play in a tournament like the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

In a tournament that is televised, there is no scope to sweep things under the rug and the relatively unknown Dhaka Dynamites off-spinner was reported for his suspect bowling action yesterday.

However, the cricketer from Savar is familiar with such situations as there have been observations from most umpires over his bowling action in the first division league, where he played for Old DOHS Sports Club. Opposing teams would always object to his bowling action, creating a chaotic scenario.

“He [Aliss Al Islam] has been reported by the umpires. We are waiting for the match referee's report as he will give a guide line for him before deciding about his immediate future,” BPL technical committee chairman Jalal Yunus told the media yesterday.

Jalal added that the cricketer will undergo a bowling action test in 14 days and a decision will be taken after that, however, Aliss will not be barred from playing during this period.

Aliss became the third bowler in BPL history to pick up a hattrick when he wrecked Rangpur Riders' batting order to help his side earn a two-run victory in a BPL encounter at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Friday.

In a press release, Rangpur Riders stated that Aliss was present in the first division's list for suspected bowling actions and although they were informed that he was clear to play, they still have doubts over his legitimacy.

“We were informed four days earlier that out of draft players can be included in teams and Al Islam was included in Dhaka Dynamites squad in that regard. Although we did not have any official problem regarding his inclusion, it should be mentioned that his name is on the suspected bowling action list for the first division of Dhaka League.

“We have been told that his action was reviewed but looking at his bowling action in today's [Friday's] match it seems that his action has not yet been rectified and it seem his arm bends more than the tolerance limit of 15 degrees while bowling, especially when he is bowling his 'Dusra' deliveries,” said Rangpur as quoted in the press release.

On the other hand, Aliss informed after the match in question that he is confident about not having any flaws in his bowling action and countered sceptics over the legitimacy of his action.

“No, it [his bowling action] didn't come under controversy ever. However, everybody was pondering. No, actually it wasn't questionable at all,'' Aliss, who hails from Savar on the outskirts of Dhaka, said on Friday.