The International Cricket Council (ICC) deemed Mohammad Hafeez's bowling action legal on Wednesday, paving the way for his return to international cricket, ICC reported.

Speaking to DawnNews, Hafeez expressed joy at the news. He said that he enjoys bowling and missed it during the ban. He was hopeful about being recalled to the side.

The off-spinner underwent a reassessment on Nov 17 at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane which revealed that his elbow turned within the 15-degree level of tolerance allowed in ICC regulations for the review of bowlers reported with suspected illegal bowling actions.

However, according to the article, umpires will still remain at liberty to report his action if they suspect it to be illegal. The umpires will be provided photos and videos of Hafeez's redeemed bowling action.

'Will strive to become top all-rounder'

Hafeez, after the ICC cleared his bowling action, said he will now strive to become the top all-rounder again.

“I have always enjoyed playing as an all-rounder and I am glad that now I will be able to put my 100 per cent and become the top all-rounder once again,” said Hafeez.

Hafeez on the occasion also thanked the people involved in the process to make his bowling action legal again, including coaches, analysts and the National Cricket Academy.

“I was optimistic in getting the action cleared as I had worked really hard for this.”

Hafeez was banned from bowling in international cricket for 12 months in July 2015 after his action was found to be illegal for a second time since November 2014.

The Pakistan Cricket Board had hired bowling coach Carl Crowe to help Hafeez correct his bowling action before taking a bowling assessment test in England but he decided against taking any test because of his fitness issues.

Hafeez was dropped from the Pakistan squad for a series against the West Indies as he was experiencing injury and form issues.

He was also not considered for the two Test match series against New Zealand that ended yesterday.