KARACHI, Nov 28: Pakistan fast bowler Shabbir Ahmed might return to international cricket next month after the Pakistan Cricket Board on Monday received an all clear report on the paceman's bowling action.

“Experts from the biomechanics department of University of Western Australia have found Shabbir Ahmed's bowling action within the legitimate parameters laid down by the International Cricket Council,” the PCB said in a statement.

Shabbir, the 30-year-old right-arm paceman, was the first international player to be banned for a year in December 2005 for having an illegal bowling action.

Under ICC regulations, a bowler can straighten his arm by 15 degrees at the time of delivery. If he exceeds that, his action is liable to be questioned.

Former Test fast bowler Sarfraz Nawaz helped Shabbir in correcting his bowling action at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

Ahmed's one-year ban expires on December 18.

“In a week's time we will receive the detailed report (from Australia) after which we will do the needful for getting Shabbir’s clearance from the ICC to represent Pakistan,'' the PCB statement said.

Shabbir has taken 51 wickets in 10 test matches and 33 scalps in 32 limited-overs games.—AP