Mohammad Hafeez: Pakistan off-spinner to face fresh ICC tests

Mohammad Hafeez will play at the World Cup as a specialist batsman unless his action is cleared

Pakistan off-spinner Mohammad Hafeez is to undergo further testing on his bowling action.

The International Cricket Council banned the 34-year-old from bowling in international cricket in December after his action was found to be illegal.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed with the ICC that the testing will take place later this month.

He was selected for the World Cup as a specialist batsman but could play as an all-rounder if his action is cleared.

"Hafeez believes he will pass the official testing, " said PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan.

"If he passes the test, he will play the World Cup as an all-rounder. Otherwise, he is there as a batsman."

The World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, begins on 14 February.

Hafeez, who has taken 122 wickets in 153 one-day internationals, failed to clear his bowling action at unofficial testing in India last week.

His action was reported during the first Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi in November.

An ICC analysis of his bowling style at Loughborough revealed that his elbow exceeded the 15 degrees level of tolerance permitted.

Pakistan team-mate Saeed Ajmal recently withdrew from the World Cup squad as his bowling action is yet to be cleared by the ICC.

As well as Hafeez and Ajmal, seven other off-spinners have been reported to the ICC for illegal actions in the last 14 months.