Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez fails unofficial bowling test in Chennai

Mohammad Hafeez unlikely to bowl in the 2015 World Cup if selected

Lahore, Jan 4 - Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has failed the unofficial test he underwent in Chennai on his bowling action, according to media reports in Pakistan.

A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official has said the bending of Hafeez's arm both over and around the wicket exceeded the permissible limit of 15 degrees - the legal level set by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for bowlers, reports the Dawn.

"While bowling over the wicket, Hafeez exceeded the limit by one to three degrees while bowling from round the wicket it ranged between 12 and 19 degrees,” the official said.

The result means PCB may not apply for an official test of Hafeez's action, and he could be picked up for the squad for the impending World Cup purely as a batsman.

The 34-year-old's action was reported in November, during the first Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi. His action was found to be illegal in December and the ICC report said the analysis had shown that the flex for all his deliveries was above the 15-degree limit.

Hafeez was the second Pakistani spinner, after Saeed Ajmal, to be suspended for an illegal action.

The final 15-man Pakistan squad for the World Cup is to be named on January 7.