Sydney Thunder have brought Mohammad Hasnain back to the BBL two seasons after he was penalised for an illegal bowling action.
Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain, who holds the record for the fastest CPL delivery at 155.1 kph, was banned from the BBL for an illegal bowling action in the 2021-22 season. Sydney Thunder was allowed to re-sign their former player as the 24-year-old changed his bowling action.
Mohammad Hasnain had made news when he produced a triple-wicket maiden on BBL debut. Hasnain and English left-armer George Garton were roped in to replace Lockie Ferguson and Sherfane Rutherford who left for the International League T20 (ILT20).
According to Sydney Thunder general manager Trent Copeland, the Pak speedster could be his team's X factor. A proven performer like Ferguson himself, Hasnain's capability to breach the 150 kph mark and produce match-winning spells make him the perfect choice for Sydney Thunder, Copeland said.
Why was Mohammad Hasnain banned from BBL?
Mohammad Hasnain faced music after it was found that his elbow bent more than the acceptable limit. His arm flexed 17-24 degrees, which was over the permissible limit.
He has been allowed back in the league following remodelling of his action. In 2022, he was allowed to return after assessments showed the elbow extension had dropped within the permissible limit - down to 12-13 degrees, ESPN CrinInfo said in a report.
Who is Mohammad Hasnain?
Known for his ability to bowl at express pace, Hasnain brings recent form and experience in T20 competitions to the team, the BBL said while officially announcing the arrival of the new star.
Sindh-born Mohammad Hasnain managed 17 wickets from 14 ODIs and 25 wickets from 28 ODIs. Despite an early debut, Hasnain's tendency to leak runs resulted in him remaining on the peripheries of the national setup. He was found too expensive in the death in many cases and if targeted, terribly mislays his line and length. He missed most of 2023 to an ankle injury, further pulling him down in the long list of raw pacers in the Pakistan national setup.
Mohammad Hasnain no doubt will be hopeful of relaunching his international career with a string of good performances for the Thunder who remain third in the BBL table with nine points after eight matches.