Shabbir action can only be reassessed after 12 months

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today confirmed that fast bowler Shabbir Ahmed could not be `cleared' in time for Pakistan's tour of England.

In response to inaccurate comments in the media, ICC General Manager - Cricket, David Richardson, explained that Shabbir's action could only be reassessed at the end of a one year suspension.

"We have in place a process that was supported by all of our Full Member countries which states that if a player is independently assessed to have been bowling with an illegal action twice in two years they will be suspended from bowling in international cricket for one year," said Mr Richardson.

"If a player does not accept the independent assessment of his action then he can request a hearing of the Bowling Review Group (BRG). In Shabbir's case the BRG upheld the findings of the independent assessment which means that, unfortunately for him, he will not be able to submit for reassessment until December 2006.

"This suspension provides Shabbir with an opportunity to address the concerns that have been raised by the independent assessments. The 12 month time period is set to ensure that a bowler can modify his action not merely to pass a test but to embed improvements on a permanent basis so they will withstand the demands of bowling long spells under the pressure of international cricket."

The regulations do not provide for a further appeal during the 12 month suspension period once the BRG has made its decision.

Full details of the process for the review of bowlers for suspected illegal actions can be found on the official ICC website: