Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has been hit with a 12-month bowling ban after his action was found to be illegal for the second time in eight months.

 

The former Pakistan captain’s bowling action was initially questioned after the first Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi last November.

 

After undergoing independent analysis his action was deemed illegal and the 34-year-old was banned from bowling.

 

That suspension was lifted in April after Hafeez modified his delivery, but the part-time off-spinner was again reported by match officials for a suspect action during last month's Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

 

An International Cricket Council statement read: "Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has been banned from bowling in international cricket for 12 months following an independent assessment of his action, which took place at the Sri Ramachandra University in Chennai on 6 July.

 

"The 34-year-old was assessed after the legality of his bowling action came under question by the match officials during Pakistan's first Test victory over Sri Lanka in Galle (17-21 June).

 

"Following the match, Hafeez was reported by the match officials pursuant to the ICC Regulations for the Review of Bowlers Reported with Suspected Illegal Bowling Actions (the "Regulations") and subsequently underwent the independent assessment in Chennai in accordance with the regulations.

 

"The assessment revealed that Hafeez's elbow extension exceeded 15 degrees while bowling and, thus, he employed an illegal bowling action."

 

As this is the second time his action has been deemed illegal within a two-year period, he is now automatically suspended from bowling in international cricket for a year.

 

The ICC statement added: "Hafeez is entitled to appeal any procedural aspect of an independent assessment that has led to this automatic suspension. However, only after the expiry of this one-year period will he be entitled to approach the ICC for a re-assessment of his bowling action."

 

Hafeez took four for 41 and scored 103 runs last Saturday as Pakistan took a 1-0 series lead in their five-match One-Day International series with Sri Lanka.

(Sky Sports)