London, Apr 20: ICC match referee Chris Broad, who reported Muttiah Muralitharan for suspect bowling action last month, has been replaced by South African Mike Procter for the upcoming Sri Lanka-Zimbabwe series. The International Cricket Council today said in a statement that the change was made to avoid the same official take charge of a series involving the same player during the six week stage one period of the ICC's bowling review process.

Broad had reported Muralitharan during Sri Lanka's home series against Australia, saying the off spinner's away going delivery was not in accordance with the laws of cricket. As per ICC guidelines, a bowler reported for suspect action has to go through a two-stage process to either prove his action is legitimate or get it rectified.

Bureau Report