Umpires Doug Cowie and Steve Dunne, who officiated in yesterday's One Day International match in Dunedin between New Zealand and Pakistan, have reported Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar for a suspect bowling action.

Akhtar - suspect action Photo AFP

In accordance with the recently introduced process for dealing with this situation, ICC match referee Ranjan Madugalle has informed the Pakistan team manager, the chief executive of New Zealand Cricket and the ICC of the content of the umpires' report.

The ICC has formally notified the Pakistan Cricket Board of the situation and a copy of the TV coverage of Shoaib Akhtar's bowling in the match will be couriered to the ICC in London. Copies of this tape will also be sent by the Council to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The process now requires the PCB to convene a group of bowling advisors to review the umpires' report and work with Shoaib Akhtar to address the concerns raised. The time frame for the review process is six weeks from the date of the report and during this period he can continue to play international cricket.

Stage One of the ICC bowling review process, contained in the Code of Conduct handbook, follows for information:

If a bowler is called on the field or reported by the umpires/referee the reporting procedure above will apply. In addition:

1. The home Board shall instruct their bowling advisors to review the report and work with the player to correct his action. The home Board may request ICC to appoint one of its bowling advisors to assist the review.

2. The home Board advisors shall complete an assessment of the bowler's action within six weeks from the date of the report, and will submit a written report to ICC. Video footage taken by the home Board can also be submitted with the report. The home Board shall provide their player with a copy of the report and any video evidence.

3. Throughout this period the player will be permitted to continue playing. At any time through this period the player is subject to being called on the field or reported by the umpire/referee.

4. A summary of the report will be circulated to the ICC Panel of Umpires and Referees.

Media enquiries relating to this statement should be addressed to:

Mark Harrison
ICC Communications Manager
Tel: 00 44 (0) 20 7266 7913/1818
Email: mark.harrison@icc.cricket.org
Mobile: 0787 944 1891

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