ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed one year bowling ban on Pakistan’s all-rounder Muhammad Hafeez after his action was found to be illegal.
The 34-year-old Muhammad Hafeez however can play in the team as a batsman.
His bowling action was reported dubious following the first Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle in June. Later on July 16, he underwent testing at an ICC-accredited lab at the Sri Ramachandra University in Chennai.
But the test report revealed that Hafeez’s action exceeded the permitted 15-degree limit while bowling.
Muhammad Hafeez will only be able to have his action reassessed by the ICC after this period is completed.
“Hafeez is entitled to appeal any procedural aspect of an independent assessment that has led to this automatic suspension,” the ICC said in a statement.
“However, only after the expiry of this one-year period will he be entitled to approach the ICC for a re-assessment of his bowling action.”
It was the second time that Hafeez’s bowling action was reported as suspicious since November last year.
Initially, he was reported after the first Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi in November and was subsequently banned after an independent analysis found his action to be illegal. Later, he was cleared to bowl in April this year after changing his action.
