DUBAI: Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has been suspended from bowling in international cricket for the third time in three years after the sport's governing body found his bowling action to be illegal.
The International Cricket Council said Thursday that an independent assessment showed that "the majority of his deliveries exceeded the 15 degrees level of tolerance permitted under the regulations."
The ICC said Hafeez can still bowl in domestic cricket events played under the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Hafeez, who bowls off-spin, was reported during the third ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Oct. 18 in Abu Dhabi. He underwent an assessment at England's Loughborough University on Nov. 1.
He can apply for a reassessment after modifying his bowling action.
Hafeez was previously banned in November 2014 and June 2015 because of an illegal bowling action.