Cricket: Pakistan wait on Shabbir decision

FAISALABAD, Pakistan - Pakistan bowlers Shabbir Ahmed and Shoaib Malik have been reported for suspected illegal bowling actions after the first test win over England, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will know before the second test starting on Sunday whether the ICC is prepared to allow seamer Shabbir to continue bowling in the series.

"The position is that we have got the match referee and umpires' report from the ICC. Shabbir's case is a bit complicated and the ICC will advise us in next 48 hours if he should continue to bowl in the series," PCB director of cricket operations Saleem Altaf said.

Shabbir, who took five wickets in the first test, was also reported in May during the first test against the West Indies in Barbados.

He was subsequently allowed to bowl by the ICC after modifiying his action, and biomechanical laboratory reports confirmed his elbow extension was within the ICC tolerance level of 15 degrees.

Shabbir, 29, has now been reported four times since making his debut in 1998.

Offspinner Malik was reported after a one-day tri-series final in Lahore last October against Sri Lanka. His action was also cleared by the ICC after modifications.

Altaf said the selectors and Pakistan team management had been advised to discuss a replacement for Shabbir in case he is unable bowl again in the series.

"We have discussed the matter in detail and it is obvious Shabbir is facing problems. The umpires have reported his action for several deliveries in the first test. But only one ball from Malik was under question," Altaf said.

Malik took just one wicket in the first test.

Match referee Roshan Mahanama said the pair would be able to continue playing in the series pending the outcome of analysis of their actions.

"Both players have been reported in the past and, while it has been shown that in laboratory conditions they are capable of bowling within the legal limits, the match officials had concerns with the actions they used during certain stages of this match when viewing their actions with the naked eye," Mahanama said.

- REUTERS