Aaron Phangiso reported for illegal action

South African left-arm spinner Aaron Phangiso has been reported for suspected action following the Lions’ win over the Warriors in the semifinal of the Momentum Cup.

Aaron Phangiso now will be on his way to the High-Performance academy at the University of Pretoria for testing his action. The ICC Law for suspect action states that “As soon as reasonably possible but, in any event, within 21 days of receipt by the Player’s Home Board of the notice.” Phangiso is expected to be tested on Friday at the ICC accredited University of Pretoria.

Phangiso has represented South Africa in 16 ODIs and nine T20 internationals. He has amassed a cumulative of 29 wickets in both formats. It will certainly be a disappointment for Phangiso as he is all set to miss the World T20 due to the test. Should he be tested immediately, the analysis of the test can be expected only 14 days later, in this case on the 10^th of March. The World T20 that begins on the 8^th of March will accept changes in the squad before the start of the tournament.

Although the chief convener of the South African selection panel Linda Zondi was unavailable for comment, it is widely expected in the South African media that Aaron Phangiso will be replaced by off-spinner Eddie Leie. The latter has represented the Proteas in just two T20Is in his career and is also recovering from a hamstring injury.

This is the third time that Aaron Phangiso is making the headlines for the wrong reasons. In mid-January, Phangiso was prevented from boarding an international flight for drunk and disorderly behavior. He was fined an unknown sum by the South African cricket board for the incident. Just last week, Phangiso was caught on camera as he pretended to sniff an unknown substance in the second T20I against England. He has apologized for the incident.