Cricket: Pakistan to assist Shabbir in bowling rehab

FAISALABAD - The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is to make every effort to get Shabbir Ahmed's action cleared by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after he was reported for a suspect action in the first test against England.

"There is no question that because his action has been reported again he will be left to fend for himself," PCB director Abbas Zaidi said.

"We are considering several proposals to help him out. One of them is sending him to Australia to work with experts to remove any defects in his action on a permanent basis."

Shabbir took five wickets in Pakistan's 22-run victory in Multan last week but was reported by ICC match officials for the second time this year, and for the fourth time in a career spanning just 10 tests and 32 one-day internationals.

After already being reported in the West Indies in May, the paceman was sent to England and then to Australia to work with biomechanics experts to get his action cleared from the ICC.

The authority cleared his action last month but Zaidi said the latest setback was a matter of concern for the PCB.

"He is an asset for the Pakistan team and we are keen to resolve this problem with his action once for all," he said.

Shabbir was dropped for the second test against England after the board decided not to take any more risks with his career by putting him under further scrutiny by the umpires.

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer has expressed his dissatisfaction with the current ICC process dealing with bowling actions and said Shabbir was puzzled how he could be reported again after being cleared just a month ago.

Zaidi said that a decision would be taken in the next few days on when and where to send Shabbir for tests and rehabilitation.

- REUTERS