Mirpur (Dhaka), Mar 20 (IANS): The International Cricket Council has come out in defence of Pakistan's Saeed Ajmal after the Indian team reportedly expressed doubts over the legality of the off-spinner's bowling action.

According to a report, Indian cricketers raised concern over Ajmal's action after an Asia Cup league match between the arch-rivals Sunday.

"We do whatever protocol allows us to do and let us not forget that the match officials, the umpires are entitled to call any bowler, who has got a suspect action," ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat was quoted as saying by Times Now Monday.

"In Ajmal's case we have tested him, we have monitored him even in the live situations, he bowls within the allowed degree of tolerance. So there isn't any issue with him.

"We need to be careful about what the eye sees and what the reality is. You are allowed to bowl with an arm that you don't straighten in the course of action and he is well within the degrees of tolerance," he added.

Ajmal's action have been questioned in the past but the ICC subsequently cleared it.

Former Pakistan captain Rameez Raja feels the fresh controversy will spur Pakistan to perform well against India if the latter reaches the Asia Cup final Thursday. India only make the final if Sri Lanka get the better of Bangladesh Tuesday.

"It (the issue) will certainly charge the Pakistan team. They will come back hard against India after the loss yesterday," said Raja.