Mohammad Hafeez reported for illegal bowling action again

Mohammad Hafeez celebrates taking a wicket in the Test match against Sri Lanka

Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has been reported for an illegal bowling action in the 1st Test against Sri Lanka at Galle. Pakistan won the first test match by 10 wickets and the contribution of Hafeez was distinct – he opened the batting innings and even took 2 wickets.

The 35-year-old Hafeez bowled 10 overs in the first innings and 10 overs in the second innings of the match. He was first reported for a suspected action last November during a Test match against New Zealand at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. Since last November, he has played 6 ODIs, 4 Twenty20 and 3 Tests against Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.

ICC regulations for repeat offenders

If Hafeez's action is found to be illegal once again he faces a bowling ban for a period of at least a year, only after which he will be eligible to apply for a reassessment of his action. He must undergo testing within 21 days of the receipt of the official report and will be allowed to bowl until the results are out.

Hafeez has taken 51 wickets in 43 Tests, 123 wickets in 161 one-dayers and 46 wickets in 62 Twenty20 matches since his International debut in 2003 against Bangladesh.