Cricket: Akhtar’s action again in question

Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been cited for a suspect bowling action in the one-day international against New Zealand in Dunedin last night.

New Zealand umpires Doug Cowie and Steve Dunne were concerned with Shoaib's action during the match, which the Black Caps won by four wickets to clinch the series 3-2.

Today they reported Akhtar to international match referee Ranjan Madugalle.

Akhtar was clocked bowling at 151 kph in the game last night, before a thigh injury reduced his run-up.

"The ICC has formally notified the Pakistan Cricket Board of the situation and a copy of the TV coverage of Shoaib Akhtar's bowling in the match will be couriered to the ICC in London," said match referee Ranjan Madugalle, of Sri Lanka.

The video would also be sent to Pakistan where cricket authorities have six weeks to review the matter and work with the bowler to correct the concerns raised.

The bowler will be allowed to play cricket during that period, but he will be subject to new laws governing bowlers with suspect actions.

Pakistan team management have said that Akhtar will not participate in the upcoming test series against New Zealand, which starts on March 8, because of the thigh injury.

It is the second time the fast bowler's action has been reported by umpires in the last year-and-a-half.

Akhtar was banned in December 1999 after being reported by New Zealand match referee John Reid.

The ban was quickly revoked after the intervention of former International Cricket Council's president Jagamohan Dalmiya.