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Shabbir's action passed

18/10/2005

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has ruled that Shabbir Ahmed's bowling action is legal, provided he bowls as he did when being analysed.

The decision was taken after a report was handed in by experts from the University of Western Australia, where Shabbir underwent extensive examination.

Dave Richardson, cricket manager of the ICC, said: "The findings of the report mean that Shabbir can resume bowling."

But he added that the paceman would have to bowl with an action "consistent to that used in independent analysis".

"Everyone needs to be aware that no bowler is ever 'cleared' as they could simply revert to bad habits," he said.

Director of the Pakistan Cricket Board Salim Altaf said earlier: "The experts have recommended that he should continue to bowl side-on. The problem is when he bowls chest-on."

After extensive controversy over the bowling action of Muttiah Muralitharan, who many accuse of cheating when he bowls his elbow-bending delivery the 'doosra', the rules were changed last year.

Since the change, bowlers have been allowed to flex their arms by as much as 15 degrees from the elbow.

Shabbir, who has not played any cricket for his country since June while his action has been under question, is now free to join the Pakistani side to face England in the coming weeks.

The Pakistani seamer has taken 46 wickets from just nine Tests, and 33 wickets from 32 one-day internationals.

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