8 Bowlers Banned by ICC: Can You Guess the Indian on the List?
Bowling actions in cricket remain under strict ICC scrutiny, often sparking debates around fairness and technique. Several renowned bowlers, including Muttiah Muralitharan, Harbhajan Singh, Shoaib Akhtar, Sunil Narine, and Saeed Ajmal, have faced bans or suspensions due to suspect actions. From forced remodelling to temporary or permanent setbacks, these cases highlight the fine balance between innovation and legality in bowling. Prenelan Subrayen’s recent case adds to this list, showing how even young talents encounter challenges in meeting international standards.
Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka)
Throwing was called more times on Murali for his unique bowling action than any other bowler in history, even causing the ICC to effect amendments in its laws. Controversy aside, he is a top wicket-taker in world cricket.
Harbhajan Singh (India)
Harbhajan's doosra was under suspicion, was subjected to biomechanical tests, underwent slight modifications in bowling action, and continued his bowling career without any bans-the tale of an innovative spin bowling art being risky.
Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan)
Several reports against suspected bowling actions forced Shoaib to alter his bowling, but never in full acceptance of the unmatched speed and unleashed aggression.
Shabbir Ahmed (Pakistan)
Declared his bowling illegal and banned in 2005, Shabbir disappeared before the ban, leaving a mark as a warning in the anti-corruption history of cricket.
Sunil Narine
Being a recurrently reported suspect bowler, getting suspended in the IPL, Narine reconstructed his bowling and came back with great strength, despite all controversies.
Sachithra Senanayake (Sri Lanka)
Suspended in 2014 for an illegal action, he changed his bowling, passed the ICC test, and came back emphasizing the redemption through will and willingness to comply.
Johan Botha (South Africa)
Reported and banned for a suspect action, Botha changed his action and, upon reassessment, the triumph of persistence insofar as strict application of ICC regulations is concerned.
Saeed Ajmal (Pakistan)
Banned in 2014 for extension of the elbow illegally, Ajmal changed the mechanics of his doosra, cleared all tests, and began to operate again, perhaps an instance of conflict between invention and legality.
