'ICC's On A Witch Hunt'

Harbhajan Singh slammed the International CricketCouncil for confusion over the legality of his bowling action, claiming theepisode had destroyed his mental peace.

Harbhajan, who was reported for a suspect action twicein the space of three months this season, said the saga had distracted him andeven affected his performance during the recent Pakistan series.

"It is very frustrating for me as I have lost mentalpeace for no fault of mine but due to mere drama by the ICC. Instead ofconcentrating on the game, I am passing time to wait for clearance from the ICC,"the off-spinner said.

Harbhajan, who underwent a review in 1998, was reportedin December on the tour of Bangladesh and again in March during the seriesagainst Pakistan.

Under the revamped bowling review process, he has toundergo a test by a bio-mechanics expert within 21 days of reporting but the ICChad delayed the appointment of a panel.

Harbhajan said he could have performed better againstPakistan had he not been under the spotlight after being reported at the end ofthe second Test at Kolkata.

"My performance during the Indo-Pak series wasaffected due to the allegations (and) I could not fully concentrate on the gamedue to disturbed mental status," he said.

"It does not matter how strong you are, as such a controversy always affectsyour performance," Harbhajan said. The 24-year-old spinner termed as"unjustified" the provision in the rules for umpires or referees tocall or report a bowler although he had been cleared before.

"How many times will a bowler have to undergo thetest, for which he has already been cleared," the Punjab bowler said.

"I am playing international cricket for the lastseven years and it is really frustrating that you have to undergo the test everytime, whenever you are pointed out for the same suspect action."

Harbhajan was an agitated man when asked if heconsidered himself lucky that he was not banned as per the ICC regulations forbeing reported a second time within 12 months of the first report.

The ICC had said that the second reporting would betreated as a new case and the first under the revamped system which came intoeffect from March.

"Reporting a bowler for suspect action does notmake him guilty," he said.

"Earlier I was reported for my action but wascleared in the test conducted on me. Where is the question of being lucky,rather it was injustice by reporting for the same suspicion for which I havealready been cleared."

Harbhajan said the recent change in the bowling review rules permitting allbowlers to straighten their arms up to 15 degrees at the point of delivery wasbeneficial, "not only for me".

"As per research, most fast bowlers bend their armsmore than the permissible degree of 15. Why is only 'doosra' being targeted whenrule is meant for everyone?"

He said the ICC was witch hunting.

"Earlier, the ICC was after (Sri Lankanoff-spinner) Muthiah Muralitharan, now they are after me, and later on someother bowler will be their target," he said.

He said the delay in clearance also kept him away fromplaying in the English county championship this summer.

"I wanted to participate in the countychampionship, but in such a state of mind how will I be able to do justice tothe game and the club which I am going to represent.

"Apart from the county, my mental status does notallow me to practice even," he said.

Asked if he sought permission from the ICC to play inthe county championship, Harbhajan said "Why should I ask the ICC and whereis the need?

"It is just because of my mental status that I amnot playing, and if I wanted to play, there was no need to seek permission fromthe ICC. "

PTI