Kolkata all-rounder Sunil Narine has been reported for having a suspect bowling action during IPL 2020.
The West Indian spinner’s action was highlighted by the on-field umpires during KKR’s last match against Kings XI Punjab.
Narine was subsequently replaced in the Kolkata starting line-up by batsman Tom Banton for their clash against RCB.
He is still free to bowl in the tournament unless he is reported again.
A statement released by the franchise said they were surprised by the decision. It read: “Mr Sunil Narine was reported for suspect action by the match officials after KKR’s match vs KXIP held on Oct 10, 2020 in Abu Dhabi.
“This came as a surprise to the franchise and Mr. Narine, considering he has played over 115 games in the IPL since 2012 and as many as 68 games since 2015, when he was last reported during the IPL season for a suspect action before being subsequently cleared completely by SRASSC, an ICC accredited facility.
“Furthermore, he was playing his sixth game this season, with no concerns expressed formally or informally by the match officials so far.
“Having said this, we are respectful of the process that the IPL has put in place to have his action reviewed, and are working closely with the IPL in this matter.
“We are hopeful that there would be an appropriate resolution quickly. We appreciate the cooperation being extended by the IPL in expediting this matter.”
Narine on Warning List
The 32-year-old is now on a warning list after the report.
According to the IPL’s Suspected Illegal Bowling Action Police, he is still free to bowl for now.
However, should Narine be reported for a second time, he would then be banned from bowling until cleared further.
A press release from the IPL stated: “Another report will result in Mr. Narine being suspended from bowling in the Dream11 IPL 2020 until cleared by the BCCI Suspect Bowling Action Committee.”
It’s not the first time Narine’s action has come into question.
The bowling all-rounder was reported twice for his during the Champions League T20 in 2014. That saw him remodel his action to try and resolve the issue.
Despite that change, he was also reported in the 2015 edition of the IPL, during a one-day game against Sri Lanka that same year and during the PSL in 2018.
