Shabbir free to bowl after serving out action ban

KARACHI, Dec 21 (Reuters) Pakistani paceman Shabbir Ahmed will be allowed to resume his international career after serving out a one-year ban for an illegal action, a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official told Reuters today.

''We have today received an official letter from the International Cricket Council (ICC) informing us that Shabbir's 12-month ban has been lifted,'' PCB director of cricket operations Saleem Altaf said.

Shabbir, who has taken 51 wickets in 10 tests matches, was banned last December for an illegal bowlng action after he was reported in the West Indies and at home against England.

''We have worked hard to ensure that Shabbir's action was cleared by the biomechanics expert Dr Bruce Elliot, who was appointed by the ICC,'' Altaf said of the bowler's tests in Australia last month.

''Elliot has sent his report to us and the ICC, in which he has confirmed that Shabbir's remodelled action is within the official tolerance limits.'' Shabbir's action will remain under scrutiny and his clearance does not mean he can not be reported again.

The bowler said he was overjoyed to be allowed to play but a little nervous about returning to international cricket.

''I have been out for a year and it is never easy getting back into the national team. I am working hard on maintaining my remodelled action,'' he said.

''I want to forget this painful period for ever.'' REUTERS AY ND1658