ICC bans Shaminda Eranga from bowling in international cricket

Sri Lanka have already missed the services of Dhammika Prasad and Dushmantha Chameera.

New Delhi: Sri Lanka received a huge blow ahead of their first One-Day International match against England with the International Cricket Council (ICC) banning fast bowler Shaminda Eranga from bowling for illegal action.

The ICC on Sunday released a statement which reads, "an independent assessment has found the bowling action of Sri Lanka’s Shaminda Eranga to be illegal and, as such, the fast bowler has been suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect."

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

Eranga , who is was hospitalized in England with a heart ailment, was reported after the second Test against England at Chester-le-Street on last month.

"In accordance with Article 6.1 of the regulations, Eranga’s international suspension will also be recognised and enforced by all National Cricket Federations for domestic cricket events played in their own jurisdiction, save that, with the consent of Sri Lanka Cricket, Eranga may be able to play in domestic cricket events played in Sri Lanka under the auspices of Sri Lanka Cricket," the released added.

However, Eranga can still "apply for a re-assessment after modifying his bowling action in accordance with clause 2.4 of the Regulations for the Review of Bowlers Reported with Suspected Illegal Bowling Actions."

Sri Lanka will play five-match ODI against in England, with the first match scheduled for June 21 at Nottingham.

If Sri Lanka, who have already missed the services of Dhammika Prasad and Dushmantha Chameera during the three-match Test series, miss yet another player on this tour, then it would be a major concern for the visitors.