World Cup: Pakistan's Mohammad Hafeez could yet play as all-rounder

Pakistan star Mohammad Hafeez could yet play in the World Cup as an all-rounder.

Hafeez was named in Pakistan's 15-man squad but only as a batsman, as he is undergoing testing on an illegal bowling action.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan said Hafeez – who bowls off-spin - will be tested later this month and the player is confident of passing.

"We have informed the ICC that Hafeez is ready to undergo the official testing...later this month," Khan said.

"Hafeez believes he will pass the official testing and, if he passes the test, he will play the World Cup as an all-rounder. Otherwise, he is there as a batsman."

Last week Hafeez failed to clear his bowling action at unofficial testing in Chennai, India. The ICC banned him from bowling in international cricket last month after his bowling action was found to be illegal.

Hafeez's elbow extension exceeded the 15-degree level of tolerance permitted under the regulations when he was suspended. Some of his deliveries were also measured beyond the required limits during unofficial testing at Chennai.

However, Khan said Hafeez knew where he went wrong and is hopeful he will pass official testing.

Pakistan's other suspended off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has already ruled himself out of the World Cup after failing to pass unofficial testing at Loughborough University.

"There's another life after the World Cup and, if Ajmal clears his bowling action, he could also return to international cricket," Khan said.

Khan said he was informed by Ajmal that he had done all the necessary work to rectify his bowling action and was now ready to undergo official testing next month.

"Ajmal himself opted out of the World Cup because he was not ready for it," Khan said.