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Last Updated: Monday, 19 December 2005, 12:35 GMT
Shabbir banned for illegal action
Shabbir has taken 51 wickets in 10 Tests
Pakistan's Shabbir Ahmed has become the first bowler to receive a 12-month ban from bowling in international cricket because of an illegal action.

But off-spinner Shoaib Malik has been cleared to continue, as he no longer uses his "doosra" leg-break ball.

Shabbir was reported for the second time during the first Test against England in Multan in November.

"He probably bowls some deliveries that are above the 15 degree limit," said Professor Bruce Elliott.

Under ICC regulations, a bowler can straighten his elbow by up to 15 degrees at the time of delivery.

Elliott's assessment of Shabbir was based on examination of TV footage from the Multan Test in comparison with a laboratory assessment he underwent in September 2005.

Shabbir can appeal to the ICC's specialist Bowling Review Group to seek to overturn the ban, as long as he lodges a request within 14 days.

A suspension for 12 months provides him with the opportunity to permanently address the concerns that have been identified
ICC boss Malcolm Speed

The tall pace bowler's five wickets in the victory over England took his career tally to 51, at an average of 23.03, in 10 Tests.

ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said Shabbir's ban was an appropriate step, given his history.

"It is clear that Mr Ahmed has the capacity to bowl with a legal action but that on occasion he has the tendency to revert to old habits.

"A suspension for 12 months provides him with the opportunity to permanently address the concerns that have been identified," said Speed.

"It indicates the ICC's seriousness in tackling this issue."

Pakistan Cricket Board bosses have yet to decide how to react to the ban.

Official Abbas Zaidi said: "We were concerned with his case since he was reported for the second time this year.

"Obviously the tests on his action have not been good for him."

Operations director Saleem Altaf added: "We have not decided as yet on whether to file an appeal."

All-rounder Malik visited Elliott at the University of Western Australia to undergo testing, returning home to take part in the one-day series against England.

"Should he revert to bowling the doosra delivery or should his action deteriorate - as with any bowler - it is possible that he could be reported again or be called," said an ICC statement.

"If such a situation arose, Shoaib would be expected to undergo further independent analysis of his action."


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