Pakistan's Bilal Asif reported for suspect action

Bilal Asif was Pakistan’s match-winner in the ODI series decider against Zimbabwe

Pakistan’s rising star, Bilal Asif, whose five-for in the third and final ODI against Zimbabwe clinched the series for his side, has been reported for suspect action, ESPNCricinfo reports. Asif is the third off-spinner from the Asian country to be reported in recent times following similar charges raised against Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez.

Asif, playing in only his second One-Day International, inspired Pakistan to victory in the series decider with figures of 5/25, the third best for a Pakistani off-spinner in ODIs, at the Harare Sports Club on Monday. The off spinner's effort helped Pakistan bundle out the hosts for a paltry 161; a target Pakistan chased down with comfortable ease.

The celebratory mood in the Pakistani camp was however hampered by the news that Asif’s action was reported as suspect by the match officials. Intikhab Alam, Pakistan's team manager for the Zimbabwe tour confirmed the development.

"Bilal's action has been reported after the third ODI and we are following the procedure with the ICC (International Cricket Council)," Intikhab told ESPNcricinfo.

Asif, who failed to feature in either of the two T20Is between the two sides, was however retained in the side for the ODI leg of the tour with the upcoming series against England in mind. He made his debut in the 2^nd ODI which Zimbabwe won under controversial circumstances, before making his mark in international cricket with his Man of the Match heroics in the third ODI.

Asif, who has not been picked for the 3-Test series against England in the UAE with Pakistan opting to add in-form veteran batsman Shoaib Malik as the 16^th man in the Test squad, will have to undergo tests at an ICC-accredited facility within two weeks after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) receives the full copy of the report from the game’s governing body.

The 30-year-old, who is pretty handy with the bat as well, is free to bowl however till the final result of those tests are out. All-rounder Mohammad Hafeez underwent a similar situation as he was allowed to bowl in spite of being reported for suspect action twice, but following the test results that confirmed the ICC’s view regarding his action, is currently serving a 12-month suspension from bowling in international cricket.

ICC’s recent crackdown on illegal bowling actions has been badly felt by Pakistan cricket as its most potent bowler in recent times – Saeed Ajmal – was also reported for the offence. Though he has made a comeback after remodelling his action, his ineffective displays since then meant he was not selected for the series against England, despite playing the major role in the 3-0 series whitewash last time out in 2012.