The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made a significant announcement concerning women's cricket. Zimbabwe women's cricket team's powerful all-rounder, Kelies Ndhlovu, has been banned from bowling with immediate effect.
Sports News: Kelies Ndhlovu, the 19-year-old all-rounder from the Zimbabwe women's cricket team, has been banned from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect. This decision was made after an independent assessment, which proved that the left-arm spinner's bowling action is illegal. Ndhlovu was reported for a suspected action by the umpires on July 26 during the first ODI against Ireland in Belfast.
Why was Ndhlovu banned?
Kelies Ndhlovu was reported by the umpires for a suspected bowling action during the first ODI against Ireland in Belfast on July 26. Subsequently, she had to undergo testing of her bowling action in Pretoria, South Africa. This investigation confirmed that her action is illegal.
According to Article 6.1 of the ICC's Bowling Regulations, she will not be allowed to bowl in international cricket until she corrects her action and clears a re-assessment. This means that she will now have to work on her action and can only return to bowling after improvement.
Kelies Ndhlovu's Cricket Journey So Far
- At just 19 years old, Ndhlovu has made a distinct identity for herself in international cricket.
- She captained Zimbabwe in the Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup held in 2023.
- So far, she has played 13 ODIs and 51 T20 International matches.
- She has 19 wickets to her name in ODIs and 44 wickets in T20Is.
This ban is a major setback for the Zimbabwe women's cricket team, as Ndhlovu has been one of the team's leading bowlers. Her youthful energy and performance have been crucial for the team. Now that she will not be able to bowl, the team will certainly miss her.
