The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Dhaka

The International Cricket Council has suspended Bangladesh left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak for an illegal bowling action, pending a fresh assessment.

Razzak's suspension followed an independent analysis in Australia that confirmed his bowling action was suspect under current ICC regulations, the sport's world governing body said Monday.

The bowling review was ordered after he was reported by umpires Daryl Harper and Asoka de Silva for a suspect action at the end of Bangladesh's home series against New Zealand in October.

Razzak, who is now barred from playing international cricket, has the right to appeal. If his petition fails, he can ask for a reassessment after modifying his action.

There were no immediate comment from Razzak or the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

Razzak had to leave in the middle of a tour of South Africa last month to travel to Australia to be assessed by Marc Portus, a member of the ICC panel of human movement specialists at the Australian Institute of Sports.

Portus' analysis showed Razzak bent his arm more than the 15 degrees allowed by the ICC for a faster delivery.

He was reported for the same offense in 2004, during an Asia Cup match against Pakistan in Colombo.

Razzak, 26, has taken seven wickets in five test matches and claimed 111 wickets in 81 one-day internationals since his 2004 debut.