The International Cricket Council has announced that Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has been suspended from bowling in international matches after he was found guilty of committing an illegal bowling action.

Independent analysis was carried out on the 36-year-old's deliveries, which were found to exceed the 15 degrees level of tolerance allowed under the rules.

Concerns over Ajmal's bowling action grew after the Pakistan international was reported to the ICC after the first Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle last month.

A statement from the ICC said: "The player has been suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect.

"Saeed can apply a re-assessment after he has modified his bowling action in accordance with clause 2.4 of the Regulations for the Review of Bowlers Reported with Suspected Illegal Bowling Actions."

Ajmal's ban will prevent him from bowling in Pakistan's series against Australia in the United Arab Emirates next week.