In a major setback for the Kolkata Knight Riders, ace spinner Sunil Narine has been barred from bowling off-spinners in all matches organised by the BCCI, including the ongoing IPL.
Narine underwent bio-mechanical analysis in Chennai after being reported for a suspected illegal action again during the IPL tie against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Visakhapatnam on April 22.
Post Review Analysis
After reviewing the footage of the game and analysis in Chennai, the BCCI has decided to ban his off-spinners.
Following the provisions of the IPL Suspected Illegal Bowling Action Policy, the Committee has concluded that Narine’s bowling action for his off-spinner, contravenes Law 24.2 (as read with Law 24.3) of the Laws of Cricket and therefore the player is now banned from bowling the off-spinner in matches organised by the BCCI, including the IPL. He may however continue to bowl his other deliveries (the knuckle ball and the quicker straight ball).
– BCCI statement
Off-spinners Will be ‘No Balls’: BCCI
The statement further read: “If Narine were to again bowl the off-spinner in this season’s IPL, the on-field umpires would apply Law 24.2 and call “No ball” and, at the end of the match, would issue a further report. Pursuant to clause 3.4 of the IPL Suspected Illegal Bowling Action Policy, the player would in such circumstances automatically be suspended from bowling in BCCI-organised matches.”
Though he was eligible to play, Knight Riders did not pick him in the playing XI after the match in Visakhapatnam.
Bowling Rehabilitation
Narine may have to undergo a course of bowling rehabilitation and take corrective measures to ensure that his action does not contravene Law 24 and may then request a further official assessment by the Committee.
– BCCI statement
The BCCI had earlier banned Narine, whose doosra was under the scanner, during the 2014 Champions League T20 where he was not allowed to represent Knight Riders in the final after being reported twice in as many games for a suspect action.
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