Ajmal reported for suspect action

Pakistan off-spinner must undergo test within 21 days, says ICC, after umpires reported his action in 1st Test.

Ajmal has represented Pakistan in 207 international matches [AP]

Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has been reported with a suspect bowling action and must undergo testing within 21 days, according to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Ajmal, who took five wickets in Sri Lanka’s first-innings during the opening Test that the hosts won by seven wickets in Galle, was reported by the match officials.

“The match officials’ report, which was handed over to Pakistan team manager Moin Khan on Sunday, cited concerns over a number of deliveries that were considered to be suspect and concluded that the bowler’s action needed to be tested,” the ICC said in a statement.

The off-spinner’s action “will now be scrutinised further under the ICC process relating to suspected illegal bowling actions reported in Tests, ODIs and T20Is”.

“We were informed by the ICC and it came up as a surprise,” Pakistan team manager Moin Khan said. “We will play him in the next Test. There is no panic at all, he is still our best bowler and we all support him.”

Ajmal was reported for a suspect action in April 2009 but was cleared the following month.

Source: Al Jazeera