Sri Lanka's Akila Dananjaya suspended over illegal bowling action

Image Credits: ICC

Sri Lankan off-spinner Akila Dananjaya has been suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect after an independent assessment by the International Cricket Council (ICC) found his bowling action to be illegal. 

The assessment revealed that his deliveries exceeded the 15 degrees level of tolerance permitted under the regulations.

In accordance with Article 11.1 of the ICC Regulations For The Review of Bowlers Reported with Suspect Illegal Bowling Actions, Dananjaya’s international suspension will also be recognised and enforced by all National Cricket Federations for domestic cricket events played in their own jurisdiction.

The ICC, however, confirmed that the 25-year-old bowler would be allowed to bowl in domestic cricket tournaments organised by the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). 

"However, according to Article 11.5 of the Regulations and with the consent of the Sri Lanka Cricket, Dananjaya may be able to bowl in domestic cricket events played under the auspices of the SLC," an official statement from the ICC said. 

Dananjaya was reported with a suspect bowling action during the opening Test against England, which the visitors won by 211 runs in Galle and had undergone an independent assessment of his bowling action on November 23 at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane.

He can now apply for a re-assessment after modifying his bowling action in accordance with clause 4.5 of the Regulations.