Sachithra Senanayake banned from bowling in international cricket for 'chucking'

Sachithra Senanayake

Sri Lankan off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake has been banned from bowling in international cricket by the International Cricket Council (ICC) with immediate effect after his action was found to be illegal, Sri Lankan Cricket Board (SLC) confirmed.

The 29-year-old had to undergo testing after being reported for suspect action by umpires Marais Erasmus, Ian Gould, and third umpire Chris Gaffaney following the 4th One Day International against England on May 31, 2014, at Lord’s.

Senanayake has 58 wickets in the 55 international matches he has played so far. Although numbers don’t reflect it, he is also quite handy with the bat, as well.

SLC Media Release:

“Sri Lanka Cricket has received the ICC Bowling Action Legality Assessment Report pertaining to Sachithra Senanayake. It was conducted by the Cardiff Metropolitan University Cardiff School of Sport in England.

The Standard ICC Illegal Action Testing Protocol was used to assess the degree of elbow extension from the point of upper arm horizontal to ball release within the bowling action.

15-degree elbow extension threshold was exceeded in the four deliveries considered to be suspect in the 4th ODI played at Lords. This matter will be referred to the SLC Cricket Committee for their recommendation.”

Senanayake has to get his action cleared before being allowed to bowl again in international cricket.

Just in: Senanayake banned from bowling in international cricket after testing finds his action to be illegal

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 12, 2014