Wellington (New Zealand), Jan 18: Fast bowler Shabbir Ahmed has been placed on report for a suspect bowling action following Pakistan`s one-day loss yesterday to New Zealand, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said today. The ICC said the report was made by Australian umpire Darrell hair and New Zealand`s Billy Bowden. Ahmed failed to take a wicket during his 10 overs yesterday, conceding 63 runs in the fifth and final one-day match that Pakistan lost by four runs.

"The umpires asked to review footage of Ahmed`s action from the match and after seeing this footage decided to report the bowler to the ICC," said ICC general manager David Richardson. "This issue now comes under the ICC` regulations dealing with this matter and over the next six weeks Ahmed and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will have the opportunity to work on any areas of concern. Ahmed will be able to continue to play during this time."

In 1995, hair repeatedly called Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan for throwing during the Melbourne Test against Australia. In 1999, he and fellow Australian umpire Peter Willey reported Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar`s action which led to a month`s ban. Bureau Report