Ajmal reported for suspect action

Pakistan offspinner Saeed Ajmal has been reported for a suspect bowling action, following the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

As per ICC regulations, Ajmal will have to undergo testing of his action within 21 days, but can continue bowling until the results of the test are known.

According to the ICC, the match officials' report cited concerns over a number of deliveries that were considered to be suspect and concluded that the bowler's action needed to be tested. The report has been handed over to Pakistan's team manager, Moin Khan.

Moin was confident Ajmal would be cleared. "We were informed by the ICC and it came up as a surprise," he said. "But it's just a procedure as he is going to undergo a re-test on his action and we are sure there he will be cleared and will be available thereafter. Meanwhile we will play him in the next Test. There is no panic at all, he is still our best bowler and we all support him."

The PCB, in a release, said it would wait for the testing process to be completed before reacting to the matter. "Once such a report has been made, the ICC rules take over and the entire process is controlled and regulated by these rules," the PCB said. "The PCB has no choice but to wait for the outcome of the process before proceeding further in the matter."

This is the second instance of Ajmal being reported for a suspect action. In April 2009, the bowler was reported for his action while bowling the doosra, and was cleared the following month.

Saqlain Mushtaq "ICC should take into account Saeed Ajmal's medical reasons. He has a natural 11 degree bend in his arm"