BANGALORE, India, CMC – Kolkata Knight Riders have given their backing to embattled off-spinner Sunil Narine, who was ruled out of yesterday’s Champions League Twenty20 final against Chennai Super Kings after being banned from bowling by organisers.
Narine took a tournament-leading 12 wickets to fire KKR into the final but was twice reported by umpires for having a suspected illegal action, resulting in a suspension.
The charge relates specifically to Narine’s faster ball.
“Sunil is not only a fantastic cricketer but also a brilliant team man. Right now, we are not thinking about anything else but we want him to come back strongly and not get disheartened,” KKR Team Director Joy Bhattacharjya said.
“We are with him and we will help him in all necessary manner.”
Narine was surprisingly reported by umpires last Monday following KKR’s final preliminary game of the CLT20, and then again on Thursday following the semi-final.
It meant even though he was eligible to play in the final, he would not have been allowed to bowl.
Narine has represented KKR for three seasons in the Indian Premier League without having his action reported.
Bhattacharjya pointed out there was no provision for appealing the organisers’ decision.
“As per the rules and guidelines of the CLT20, there are no provisions for appealing,” he said.
“If three umpires – two on-field and the third umpire – have felt that his action is suspect, you have to respect their decision.”
