World T20: ICC upholds Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed's suspension from bowling after review hearing

New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday announced that Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed's suspension from bowling in international cricket has been upheld, following a review hearing conducted by a Judicial Commissioner.

The ICC barred Taskin and Arafat Sunny from bowling in international cricket on Saturday after finding their actions illegal following an assessment in Chennai during the ongoing World Twenty20.

Earlier, Taskin was reported as having a suspected illegal bowling action by the match officials in Bangladesh's opening match of the World Twenty20 qualifiers in India against the Netherlands in Dharamsala.

An independent assessment at the ICC-accredited testing centre in Chennai on March 15 was undertaken. This independent assessment found that some of Taskin's standard deliveries exceeded the permissible level of elbow extension and, as such, his bowling action was found to be illegal and he was suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect.

On Tuesday, Taskin exercised his right to request a speedy review of his case by a Judicial Commissioner. The hearing was conducted by Michael Beloff QC over a tele-conference call that lasted several hours. Reports say that numerous legal challenges were made on behalf of the player.

Having carefully considered those arguments and the responses of the parent cricket body, Mr Beloff has now notified all parties concerned of his decision that Taskin's suspension from bowling in international cricket shall be upheld.

Taskin would be applying for a re-assession and if he falls within the ICC guidelines, then the suspension would be lifted.

This ban has hit Bangladesh badly although the side is confident of the bowlers passing ICC assessment.

Earlier ahead of the match against Australia, Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza feels for Taskin and said he cannot accept the injustice.

"I don't think about my career. But what kind of captain would I be if I can't stand beside the boy who will serve my country for the next 10-15 years. I can't accept this injustice," Mashrafe said.

(With Agency inputs)