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ICC relents, allows Shoaib to play in Australia

The International Cricket Council has permitted Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar to play in the limited-overs triangular series in Australia beginning today.

On December 30, the ICC had banned Akhtar for a month for using an illegal bowling action. Pakistan appealed against the ruling last week.

The ICC advisory panel reviewed the video footage of Akhtar's bowling action and felt he had problems with his action while bowling bouncers, ICC president Jagmohan Dalmiya said.

"Since bouncers are not used in one-day cricket, as these are called no-balls, it would be best to permit Akhtar to play for Pakistan in the triangular series, while continuing with the remedial coaching to be conducted by the Pakistan Cricket Board," Dalmiya said.

Dalmiya said he took the decision after consulting Sir Clyde Walcott, former West Indies captain and chairman of the ICC cricket committee.

He also said video footage would be taken of Akhtar's bowling action during the triangular series under the supervision of international match referee Cammie Smith, another former West Indian Test player.

The ICC panel will then review Akhtar's bowling action prior to the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Test series beginning in Pakistan next month.

"An umpire is always at liberty to apply the law if he feels any bowler is not delivering the ball correctly," Dalmiya said.