Pakistan's off-spinning all-rounder was suspended by ICC on Thursday from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect after his action was found to be illegal after an independent assessment.

Hafeez, who is currently the world’s top-ranked ODI all-rounder, has been suspended from bowling for the third time in three years.

“Saddened to know the result of my bowling action from ICC, it would never pull me down, wil (will) never give up, worked so hard to remodelled it & wil (will) work again twice harder to get better to serve my beloved country Pakistan & Achieve,” Hafeez wrote on his twitter handle.

The 37-year-old was reported during the third ODI against Sri Lanka on October 18 in Abu Dhabi and had undergone an independent assessment of his bowling action on 1 November at Loughborough University.

However, the assessment revealed that the majority of his deliveries exceeded the 15 degrees level of tolerance permitted under the regulations.

In accordance with Article 11.1 of the ICC Illegal Bowling Regulations, Hafeez’s international suspension will also be recognised and enforced by all National Cricket Federations for domestic cricket events played in their own jurisdiction.

However, pursuant to Article 11.5 of the Regulations and with the consent of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Hafeez may be able to bowl in domestic cricket events played under the auspices of the PCB.

Hafeez can apply for a re-assessment after modifying his bowling action in accordance with clause 4.5 of the Regulations.