The bowling action of colourful Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is once again under the spotlight after he was reported to the International Cricket Council. Shoaib was named by Denis Lindsay, the match referee, and umpires Rudi Koertzen and George Sharp following the Khaleej Times Trophy. It is the second time this year that his action has been questioned: in March he was reported to the ICC during a one-day series in New Zealand, after persistent murmurs about the legality of his action ever since he broke into international cricket in 1997-98.

Shoaib, 26, will be required to work with an ICC bowling adviser to analyse the concerns raised in the report and, if deemed necessary, he will have to remodel his action. An announcement as to the identity of this adviser - who will be a "highly respected former fast bowler", according to ICC - is expected shortly.

During this period Shoaib can continue to play international cricket, although if he is reported again before March then he could face a 12-month ban if a hearing decided that he does have a consistently illegal action.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd