Shoaib Akhtar reported in Sharjah

Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been reported by ICC match officials for a suspect action during the recently concluded Khaleej Times Trophy tournament in Sharjah.

The report was filed by match referee Denis Lindsay and umpires Rudi Koertzen and George Sharp. No report was made by Ed Nichols, the third umpire standing in Sharjah.

This is Shoaib Akhtar's second report inside the past 12 months, following an earlier incident during a One Day series in New Zealand in March, when he was reported by umpires Doug Cowie and Steve Dunne.

Shoaib now enters stage two of the ICC process for dealing with bowlers with suspect actions. This will involve him working with a specialist ICC bowling advisor to analyse concerns raised and undergo any recommended remodelling of his action.

The advisor will be a highly respected former fast bowler, able draw on his experience to provide the expert advice required. An announcement confirming the nominated advisor will be made imminently.

A detailed assessment of Akhtar's action and any remedial work undertaken, will be submitted to the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board, within three months of the reporting. The content and conclusions of this report will be made public.

During this period Shoaib Akhtar can continue to play international cricket.

Media note: under the ICC process, a third report in 12 months would activate the ICC Bowling Review Group. This would meet with the bowler and his representatives to discuss the previous two assessment reports, video footage and any further evidence supplied by the player or his Board. If a majority of the Group decide the bowler has a consistently illegal action he would be banned from playing international cricket for 12 months from the date of the hearing.