The International Cricket Council clarified that Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh [Images], who has been reported for suspect bowling action, would be reviewed as per existing guidelines.

ICC [Images] Chief Executive Malcolm Speed [Images] said Harbhajan would not receive the benefits of a new proposal that allows for a bowler to straighten his arm upto 15 degrees.

"At this stage these are only recommendations and Singh's action will therefore be reviewed on the same basis as all of the other bowling actions that have been reported in 2004," Speed said in a statement issued by the ICC in New Delhi.

Harbhajan was reported after India's second Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong in December.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India is yet to form a panel of experts to work with the off-spinner who had six weeks' time from the day of reporting to correct his action.

The BCCI has said it had written to the ICC seeking a clarification regarding the permissible limit of flexion for a bowler's action to be legal. As per existing rules, a spinner is allowed five degrees of flexion at the point of delivery and fast bowlers 10 degrees.

The ICC's Cricket Committee had recently proposed that all bowlers be allowed to bend their arm upto 15 degrees. The proposal was yet to be ratified to become a law.

Meanwhile, Dubai-based 'Gulf News' quoted Harbhajan Singh as saying he was surprised as to how Match Referee Chris Broad, who reported him to the ICC, was sure he bent his arm more than 15 degrees.

"First tell me how Match Referee Chris Broad was so sure that I was violating the 15-degree barrier? Can it be measured by the naked eye," Harbhajan said.

"I did meet him (Broad). And he repeatedly said one thing: 'I think ... I think.' So I asked him, "why do you keep saying that you think?

"If you are sure that I am violating the rule then say it. Otherwise don't make any comments."