ICC World Twenty20: Taskin Ahmed suspension upheld

Bangladesh’s hopes of having pace spearhead Taskin Ahmed back in the ranks for their last match of the ICC World Twenty20 were dashed with the International Cricket Council on Wednesday confirming that his suspension for bowling with a suspect action had been upheld by an independent judicial commission following an assessment at the ICC-accredited testing centre in Chennai on March 15.

In a statement on the day, the ICC said, “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.”

Taskin was reported as having a suspected illegal bowling action by match officials in Bangladesh’s opening match of the tournament against the Netherlands in Dharamsala on March 9. “Taskin exercised his right to request an expeditious review of his case by a Judicial Commissioner,” the statement said.

“Having carefully considered those arguments and the responses of the ICC, Mr Beloff has now notified all parties concerned of his decision that Taskin’s suspension from bowling in international cricket shall be upheld and indicated that a written reasoned decision will be provided in due course. In the meantime, Taskin may, at any time following appropriate remedial work, apply to the ICC for a re-assessment of his bowling action.”