Shabbir banned, Shoaib cleared

After being reviewed again in Australia, Shabbir Ahmed has earned the unique distinction of being the first bowler to be banned for one calendar year because of an illegal action. After being cleared by tests undertaken in Australia in the past year, he was reported again and now has been banned. This is a blow to Pakistan as Shabbir has really manifested himself as a strike bowler for the Pakistani squad.

Shoaib Malik, on the other hand, has been cleared as long as he doesn't bowl a doosra. This is good news for Shoaib and for Pakistan, as he will be a solid player for Pakistan for a long time to come.