Pakistan’s Bilal Asif reported for suspect action

The offspinner, who took crafted a match-winning spell before the umpires reported his action as suspect, will need to undergo testing within 14 days at an ICC-accredicted centre. Until then, he is permitted to continue bowling in international cricket.

Bilal Asif took his maiden five-for in his second ODI before his action was reported by umpires to be suspect

Pakistan offspinner Bilal Asif has been reported with a suspected illegal bowling action during the third and final One-Day International against Zimbabwe. Asif, who had made his international debut in the second ODI of the three-match series, claimed five wickets to help Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by seven wickets in the third one-dayer in Harare yesterday to claim the series 2-1.

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. “Bilal's bowling action will now be scrutinised further under the ICC 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, Bilal is permitted to continue bowling in international cricket until the results of the testing are known,” an ICC release stated.