20 January 2005	Thursday	09 Zilhaj 1425

MELBOURNE, Jan 19: Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has been reported for a suspect bowling action, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Wednesday.

The ICC received a report from the umpires and match referee after Wednesday's limited-overs match between Pakistan and West Indies in Brisbane.

Under the ICC's regulations, Hafeez must spend the next six weeks with a biomechanist to identify and correct any flaws in his action but will be allowed to play during that time.

Hafeez is the fifth Pakistani bowlers to be reported for suspect action during the last couple of years. Others who have been reported for suspect action are pace man Shoaib Akhtar, all-rounder Shoaib Malik, medium pacers Shabbir Ahmad and Junaid Zia.

The ICC is considering changing its rules on suspect bowling actions by adjusting the degree at which bowlers can straighten their arm. A decision is expected when the council meets in Melbourne next month. -Agencies