Agence France Presse

New Delhi, May 29:

Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has been given a provisional clearance to bowl, the ICC announced in a statement on Sunday.

His action was brought under the scanner after a recent home series against Pakistan but the ICC said he could continue if he bowled with the action that was cleared during tests in Australia earlier this year. The decision follows a report by bio-mechanist Marc Portus who felt that the bowler used a different action during the Pakistan series but was unable to reach a conclusion.

“There is no doubt that the action analysed in the University of Western Australia showed Harbhajan bowling with an action that is in accordance with the regulations,” said ICC General Manager of Cricket, David Richardson.

He further said: “On this basis the ICC has advised the BCCI that Harbhajan is able to bowl in international cricket provided his action is consistent with that used in the University of Western Australia laboratory. Should his action deteriorate, it is possible that the match referees would again report him and this would raise the prospect of further analysis.”

The Indian cricket board was relieved at the decision. “We welcome the decision and believe that no bowler is licensed to throw. But at the same time, if a prima facie case cannot be established against the bowler, he should be allowed to play,” said BCCI secretary S K Nair.