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Pakistan are almost sure their medium pacer Shabbir Ahmed will be eligible to play international cricket from December 20 after serving a 12-month ban over an illegal bowling action.

“We are 99 percent sure that Shabbir will be allowed to play international cricket by December 20 after getting reports that his action has been cleared by experts,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Dr Nasim Ashraf, told reporters here at the National Stadium on Sunday.

The lanky fast bowler underwent corrective measures in Pakistan and later went through biomechanics tests in Australia last month.

“According to preliminary reports we received from Professor Bruce Elliot, a biomechanics expert in Australia, Shabbir’s action has been cleared,” said Ashraf.

The PCB chief said that once he is eligible to play for Pakistan it would be up to Shabbir to prove his form and fitness ahead of the tour of South Africa scheduled to begin early next month.

Meanwhile, the bowler is set to be included in a pool of 22 players to be announced today by the national selection committee for the 2007 World Cup.
Source:The News