International Cricket: Uganda’s Afridi suspended for illegal action

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02:44

In Cricket, there's been some bad news for Ugandan bowler Irfan Afridi, who has been suspended by the ICC for an illegal action. The 33-year-old had taken 15 wickets at the recent World Cricket League Division Three tournament in Oman but, instead of batsmen, he will now be up against the appeal process. CGTN's Leon Ssenyange reports.

Fifteen dismissals in one tournament. That's the statistic Irfan Afridi commands. But this month, the 33-year-old has come under scrutiny for what he does best, bowling. An assessment at the World Cricket League Division Three Tournament has revealed Afridi exceeds the amount of elbow extension permitted under ICC regulations. Uganda's local cricket association says the development is a major blow.

MARTIN ONDEKO UGANDA CRICKET CEO "You are looking at a bowler who has been our top bowler for all the tournaments that he has participated in, and obviously going into the tournament, everyone knew he was going to play a pivotal role for the team."

Afridi guided Uganda to promotion to Division Three early this year. He was also the leading wicket-taker at the World Twenty20 Africa Qualifiers in July.

LEON SSENYANGEKAMPALA "The ICC decision means Afridi is unavailable to bowl in international cricket matches. His ban will remain in place until he modifies his action. That will determine whether or not he can play again."

The country desperately wants the all-rounder back on the oval.

MARTIN ONDEKO UGANDA CRICKET CEO "We are going to take him to a testing center, and make sure that he is cleared, because he is a very big asset for Uganda cricket."

It's not the first time Ugandan players have been reported for suspected illegal bowling action. Some say correcting it early is the only way to preventing further bans.

DENIS MUSAALI CRICKET WRITER "A lot of players have problems with their actions. They are just problems and these come from coaching at a lower level. Sometimes we let kids grow up doing the wrong thing and we take it to international cricket."

Uganda have plenty to regret from the championship -- a bowling controversy -- and a dismal display. And for local fans, it's going to be a while before they see the famous star-fish celebration Afridi is known for. LS, CGTN, Kampala, Uganda.