The Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez faces a 12-month ban from bowling in international cricket after being reported with a suspected illegal action for the second time.

An International Cricket Council statement said Hafeez was reported during Pakistan’s 10-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test, which finished in Galle on Sunday.

The off-spinner must now undergo further testing within 14 days where if his action is deemed illegal for the second time in seven months, he will be handed an automatic year-long ban from bowling for his country.

The ICC statement read: “The match officials’ report, which was handed over to the Pakistan management, cited concerns about the legality of the 34-year-old’s bowling action during the course of the match.

“As this report will constitute the player’s second report within a two-year year period, the first of which led to a suspension, should the second independent assessment also determine that he bowls with an illegal action, he will automatically be suspended from bowling in international cricket for a 12-month period.”

Hafeez was reported for a suspect action after the Abu Dhabi Test against New Zealand in November 2014 and in December his action was found to be illegal following tests at Loughborough.

He missed out on selection for the 50-over World Cup but was cleared to resume bowling in international cricket in April following remedial work and more tests on his action.

Since then Hafeez has bowled in nine matches in Bangladesh, at home against Zimbabwe, and in Sri Lanka. He will be allowed to continue bowling in international cricket until the results of his latest tests are known.