The International Cricket Council (ICC) has banned Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez from bowling his off-spinners in international cricket with immediate effect after an independent assessment found his bowling action illegal. The assessment revealed that the majority of his deliveries exceeded the 15 degrees level of tolerance permitted under the regulations. The ICC said in a statement, "In accordance with Article 11.1 of the ICC Illegal Bowling Regulations, Hafeez's international suspension will also be recognised and enforced by all National Cricket Federations for domestic cricket events played in their own jurisdiction. However, pursuant to Article 11.5 of the Regulations and with the consent of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Hafeez may be able to bowl in domestic cricket events played under the auspices of the PCB," the statement added. This is not the first time the veteran Pakistan all-rounder has been banned from bowling in international cricket. Under ICC rules he will be able to return to bowling as soon as he has rectified his action and passed another assessment.
