Sunil Narine's return from a bowling ban didn't last too long. The spinner, who made his comeback to cricket with Indian Premier League (IPL) side Kolkata Knight Riders, has now been banned from bowling offspinners after being reported for suspect action on 22 April.
Narine, who has played five times for KKR this season, made a return to competitive cricket with a new action and hasn't been very successful either — picking up two wickets at an average of 73.50.
Sunil Narine in action for KKR. BCCI
Narine was praised by players and the media alike for retaining his 'mystery' despite the change in action — but the officials spotted something awry in the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The subsequent verdict is: "Pursuant to this report, Mr. Narine visited the Sri Ramachandra Arthroscopy and Sports Sciences Centre (SRASSC) in Chennai for a biomechanical analysis of his bowling action. The BCCI Suspect Bowling Action Committee has reviewed the evidence of the match footage and the analysis provided by SRASSC. Following the provisions of the IPL Suspected Illegal Bowling Action Policy, the committee has concluded that Mr. 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)," said a BCCI statement.
Narine wasn't picked for KKR's sixth match and it remains to be seen whether he plays again for the defending champions. If Narine bowls the offspinner again this season, then 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," the statement added.
Narine may 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.
