Shabbir Ahmed reported for a suspect bowling action in Barbados Test

The ICC today confirmed that Pakistan bowler Shabbir Ahmed has been reported for a suspected illegal bowling action by the match officials following completion of the first Test match between West Indies and Pakistan in Barbados today.

The report was made by on-field umpires David Shepherd and Darrell Hair, the TV umpire, Basil Morgan, and the ICC Match Referee, Ranjan Madugalle.

Mr Madugalle has informed both the ICC and the Pakistan team management of the report, as per the ICC regulations governing the reporting process.

"The match officials had concerns with the action used by the bowler at certain stages during both innings when viewing it with the naked eye. This assessment has led the team of officials to request the ICC to commission a biomechanical report into the bowler's action in accordance with the new process introduced earlier this year," said Mr Madugalle.

The report will be handled under the ICC's recently revised bowling review process. Mr Ahmed will now undergo independent analysis of his action by a member of the ICC's panel of human movement specialists.

This will take place as soon as practically possible, and within a maximum period of 21 days from receipt by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of formal notice of the report by the ICC, together with copies of the relevant match tapes from the Barbados Test.

Within 14 days of the independent analysis being carried out, the appointed specialist will supply the ICC with a written report advising the outcome of the bio-mechanical assessment. This will confirm whether the bowler's action falls within, or exceeds, the 15 degrees of permitted elbow straightening.

As soon as the specialist's independent assessment is received by the ICC, a copy will be supplied to the PCB. Mr Ahmed will be allowed to play international cricket up to this point, at the discretion of his Board.