Bangladesh has this week been rocked by the news that star pacer Taskin Ahmed and spinner Arafat Sunny have been suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect. An independent assessment in Chennai last week found both players’ actions to be illegal.
The players needed to undergo tests after both players were reported for ‘suspect actions’ in the world cup qualifying game against Holland. Despite being reported for their actions, Ahmed and Sunny were both cleared to play against Pakistan where both took two wickets each respectively in that game.
Tasking and Sunny may be allowed to play in Bangladesh’s domestic league, but would need the Bangladesh cricket board’s permission. Sadly for Bangladesh, this isn’t the first time that one of their players has been banned.
Off-spinner Sohag Gazi was suspended from bowling in October 2014, however was later cleared after a second test in February 2015. Left-arm spinner Abdur-Razzak was the first Bangladesh bowler to be banned in November 2008, which was later lifted in March 2009.
As a result of their immediate suspensions, Bangladesh has had to call up Saqlain Sajib to replace Sunny Arafat and off spin bowling all-rounder Shuvagata Hom who will replace Taskin Ahmed.
Image credit: Mohammed Tawsif Salam, Wiki Commons.
