Victor Chirwa suspended for illegal bowling action

Promising Zimbabwe Under-19 left arm spinner Victor Chirwa has been suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect after the Event Panel of the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup confirmed he uses an illegal bowling action.

The Event Panel comprised members of the ICC Panel of Human Movement Specialists.

The 18-year-old cricketer was impressive in Zimbabwe’s World Cup preparatory series against Ireland where he claimed 10 wickets in four matches including best figures of 5/26.

In Zimbabwe’s emphatic 228-run victory over Papua New Guinea in their opening World Cup tie, Chirwa grabbed two wickets for 11 runs.

“Zimbabwe’s Victor Chirwa has been suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect after the Event Panel of the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup confirmed that he uses an illegal bowling action. The Event Panel comprised members of the ICC Panel of Human Movement Specialists,” ICC said in a statement.

“Chirwa was reported by the match officials during Zimbabwe’s match against Papua New Guinea on Saturday. Video footage of him bowling in the event was shared with the Event Panel for review.

“The Event Panel concluded that Chirwa employed an illegal bowling action and, as such, in accordance with Article 6.7 of the regulations, he is immediately suspended from bowling in international cricket,” the statement added.

Zimbabwe plays their next match at the World Cup on Saturday at Diego Martin Sporting Complex, Trinidad and Tobago.