Zimbabwe off-spinner Roy Kaia's bowling action deemed illegal; suspended from bowling

The International Cricket Council today announced that an independent assessment has found the bowling action of Zimbabwe’s Roy Kaia to be illegal and, as such, he has been suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect. The 29-year-old off-spinner was reported with a suspect bowling action during the one-off Test against Bangladesh played in Harare in July.

In accordance with Article 11.1 of the ICC Regulations For The Review of Bowlers Reported with Suspect Illegal Bowling Actions, Kaia’s international suspension will also be recognised and enforced by all National Cricket Federations for domestic cricket events played in their own jurisdiction.

However, according to Article 11.5 of the Regulations and with the consent of Zimbabwe Cricket, Kaia may be able to bowl in domestic cricket events played under their auspices. 

The 29-year-old off-spinner was reported with a suspect bowling action during the one-off Test against Bangladesh played in Harare from 7-11 July.

An Expert Panel reviewed footage of Kaia’s bowling action, as assessment at an ICC accredited centre was not possible due to various restrictions resulting from Covid-19. 

The Panel concluded that his deliveries exceeded the 15 degrees level of tolerance permitted under the regulations and his bowling action was illegal. Kaia can apply for a re-assessment after modifying his bowling action in accordance with the ICC Regulations.

Forgettable game for Roy Kaia

The suspension to bowl with immediate effect sums up a forgettable game for Roy Kaia. In the only Test played between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in Harare, the hosts lost the game by a massive 220 runs. Roy Kaia bagged a pair getting out on duck in both the innings with the bat.

He rolled his arm over for around 23 overs combined in both the innings but couldn’t pick up a single wicket. In the first innings, he conceded 43 runs in 10 overs and then was taken apart for 84 runs in 13 overs as Bangladesh were looking to set the target adding some quick runs.