IPL 2020: ‘Surprised’ Kolkata Knight Riders release statement on Sunil Narine’s suspect bowling action

IPL 2020: ‘Surprised’ Kolkata Knight Riders release statement on Sunil Narine’s suspect bowling action
Sunil Narine

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have released a statement saying that they are both ‘surprised’ and ‘respectful’ of the Indian Premier League’s decision to report their spinner, Sunil Narine, for suspect bowling action.

Narine played a crucial role in the death overs in KKR’s match against Kings XI Punjab. His wily mystery spin choked Glenn Maxwell in the final over to help KKR defeat KXIP by 2 runs.

The on-field umpires then reported Narine for chucking. The action was taken according to the IPL’s suspected illegal bowling action policy. The BCCI statement confirmed that Narine had been served with a warning over his bowling action but will continue to bowl in the IPL. He will however remain on the warning list.

Any other report of suspected bowling action by Sunil Narine will lead to suspension. The press release said, ”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.”

KKR ‘surprised’ by Narine being reported for chucking

Sunil Narine and Glenn Maxwell after the encounter between KKR and KXIP

In a statement released today, Kolkata Knight Riders responded to IPL’s decision to report Narine for chucking. The franchise said that the news has come as a surprise to them.

KKR wrote, “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 6th game this season, with no concerns expressed formally or informally by the match officials so far.”

However, KKR also added that they were respectful of IPL’s decision.

“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.” they added.

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