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Asif reported for suspected illegal action

Pakistan off-spinner must undergo testing within 14 days

Pakistan off-spinner Bilal Asif has been reported with a suspected illegal bowling action following the third and final one-day international against Zimbabwe on Monday.

The match officials’ report, which was handed over to the Pakistan team management, cited concerns about the legality of the 30-year-old’s bowling action.

Asif, who made his debut in the second ODI against Zimbabwe, starred in Pakistan’s seven-wicket win in Harare on Monday, taking 5-25 and scoring 38 runs.

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Asif’s bowling action will now be scrutinised further under the International Cricket Council’s process relating to suspected illegal bowling actions reported in Tests, ODIs and T20Is.

He is required to undergo testing within 14 days, and, during this period, Asif is permitted to continue bowling in international cricket until the results of the testing are known.

The report is a setback for Pakistan, with Asif considered a chance to be named in the squad to play England in the United Arab Emirates later this month.

 The 30-year-old was a late addition to Pakistan's ODI squad at the behest of Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq, who felt the off-spinner could come in handy against England's slew of left-handers in a three-Test series that starts on October 13.

"The wicket looked very good for batting and at one stage we were looking to keep them within 270, but Bilal Asif bowled exceptionally," said regular Pakistan captain Azhar Ali, who watched the match from the sidelines because of a foot infection, after the match.

"It was only his second game, but he bowled with great maturity. Before this series we had a plan that we wanted to test some new blood and it is very good sign that they have performed and played with confidence. We have achieved our goals from this series."

Asif’s report comes after Pakistan allrounder Mohammad Hafeez was banned from bowling in international cricket for 12 months because of an illegal action.