Pakistan says Akhtar video footage is inconclusive

Video footage of Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar's suspect action provided by the International Cricket Council (ICC) is inconclusive, the Pakistan Cricket Board said on Monday.

Akhtar was cited by umpires Steve Dunne and Doug Cowie during the final one-day match against New Zealand in Dunedin last month during which he bowled at speeds of up to 151 kilometres per hour.

Television coverage of Akhtar's bowling during the game was sent to the ICC in London and also the PCB.

"The footage doesn't cover the required angles to reach a conclusive decision," a PCB spokesman said.

He said a three-man bowling committee which reviewed the film had asked the cricket board to provide additional footage to reach a conclusion.

Akhtar, who was also reported for a suspect action during the 1999-2000 tour to Australia and served a four-month suspension before being allowed to resume his career, will have his action examined in Australia.

A dimensional, biomechanical analysis will be made at the University of Western Australia in Perth which will seek to clarify his delivery style.

"Shoaib's action will be examined under the guidance of Dennis Lillee, Daryl Foster and other experts in the biomechanics department of the university," the PCB spokesman said.

The university helped Sri Lankan Muttiah Muralitharan overcome suspicion that he threw the ball when bowling. It was found that the off-spinner's arm was permanently bent 40 percent more than normal, a defect that he was born with.

Mail your comments