Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has been suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect after the International Cricket Council (ICC) ruled that his action was illegal.

Tests undertaken at the National Cricket Performance Centre in Loughborough revealed that Hafeez’s action exceeded the 15 degrees level permitted under ICC regulations.

The 34-year-old off-spinner was reported after the first Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi in November, which Pakistan won by 248 runs.

Hafeez, who has played 40 Tests and 149 one-day internationals for Pakistan, is the second Pakistan player to be suspended for an illegal action this year after Saeed Ajmal was sanctioned in September.

Pakistan play New Zealand in Dubai on Monday in the first of five one-day internationals.