ICC bans Tabraiz Shamsi's special wicket celebration

When it comes to celebrating a scalp on the cricket field, South Africa spinner Tabraiz Shamsi definitely knows a thing or two.  It would not be entirely wrong to say that the Proteas star makes it to the headlines more for his celebrations than his performances. Whether it was the bus-driver celebration in the Indian Premier League after dismissing David Warner or pulling on a mask, the Mortal Kombat and shoe-telephone celebrations in the Caribbean Premier League, the left-arm spinner never fails to surprise the fans with his quirky moves after taking a wicket.

Well, one of the celebrations from his colourful repertoire has now been banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Shamsi will no longer be seen pulling on a mask after taking a wicket on the field. He had first performed the celebration in this year’s CPL where he appears for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots. After dismissing Barbados Tridents’ Shai Hope, Shamsi had pulled out a scarf from under his neck before covering his face with it and wheeling away.

The tweaker had been performing the same celebration in the ongoing Mzansi Super League (MSL) while representing the Paarl Rocks. However, the ICC, on Wednesday, informed the 28-year old that he was not allowed to pull out the mask any more while celebrating a wicket.

Shamsi disappointed with the ban

The ban, however, has not gone down well with Shamsi, he was disappointed and clarified his intentions with the celebration insisting that he never wanted to disrespect a batsman.

“There is so much pressure on you as a bowler in a game,” Shamsi was quoted as saying on Netwerk24. “I’m having fun with my celebrations and it is definitely not because I want to be disrespectful to the batsman.”

Shamsi also has a name for his now-banned celebration. He calls it the Masked Magician, probably naming it after American magician Val Valentino. A frequent member of South Africa’s limited-overs team now, the chinaman has so far played two Tests, 11 ODIs and 9 nine T20Is.

Hahahaha it's the #MaskedMagician Celebration @jpduminy21 😂😂@MSL_T20 #Celebrations #GoodTimes #JustForFun @ICC pic.twitter.com/pizqFEkxQM

— Tabraiz Shamsi (@shamsi90) December 6, 2018

~Written by Bijay

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