Dharamshala – Bangladesh off-spinner Arafat Sunny and fast bowler Taskin Ahmed have been reported for suspect bowling actions following their side’s opening match of the World Twenty20 in India.
The pair were reported by umpires in Bangladesh’s eight-run win against the Netherlands in Dharamshala on Wednesday and must now be tested at the ICC’s accredited biomechanical testing facility in Chennai within seven days.
The ICC indicated some leeway may be given on that timeframe, highlighting that its regulations state “every reasonable effort” must be made to complete the independent testing within the seven-day timeframe.
Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathursingha was furious at the timing of the report with the pair bowling for Bangladesh without issue during the past year, as well as the recent Asia Cup. “If they have a concern about my bowlers, I have a concern about their (the ICC’s) actions as well,” Hathurusingha said.
“I don’t see anything wrong. They have bowled the same way as the last 12 months. “If they (the umpires) have officiated the matches they have been playing, they must have seen something different yesterday. That’s all I can say.” Match referee Andy Pycroft and on-field umpire Rod Tucker from the match against the Netherlands had seen Taskin and Suny bowl within the past year – the pair were involved in Bangladesh’s home ODI series against India last June.
Both players are free to continue bowling until the results of testing are known, but Hathurusingha said his bowlers would not be changing their actions. “It’s about how you take it,” the former NSW Blues coach said.
“As bowlers they are strong enough to understand what they are doing is right. “We also think that we have no concern. They have played so much cricket, recently as well. It is a surprise for us. “We have to take their (the ICC’s) concerns. They are only concerns at this stage. I don’t think it will affect the way we are playing.”
