Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has been banned from bowling in international cricket for 12 months following an independent assessment of his action at the Sri Ramachandra University in Chennai.

The ban is a huge below for Pakistan as Hafeez has become a key player in the shorter formats of cricket as an all-rounder with his off-spin considered a particularly useful asset.

The 34-year-old was assessed after the legality of his bowling action came under question by match officials during Pakistan’s first Test victory over Sri Lanka in Galle in June.

Hafeez subsequently underwent an independent assessment in Chennai in accordance with the regulations. The assessment revealed that Hafeez’s elbow extension exceeded 15 degrees while bowling and, thus, he employed an illegal bowling action.

Hafeez was initially suspended from bowling in November 2014. However following extensive remedial work on his action, he was reassessed and permitted to resume bowling in April 2015.

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“As this report has constituted the player’s second report within a two-year period, the first of which led to a suspension, he is now automatically suspended from bowling in international cricket for a 12-month period,” the ICC said.

“Hafeez is entitled to appeal any procedural aspect of an independent assessment that has led to this automatic suspension. However, only after the expiry of this one-year period will he be entitled to approach the ICC for a re-assessment of his bowling action.”

Despite Hafeez’ suspension the team management and selectors are set to keep faith in him make use of the player as a specialist batsman, as his good form deserves an opportunity.