Bangladesh Under-19 off-spinner Sanjit Saha has been reported for a suspect bowling action. Sanjit’s bowling action came into question during Bangladesh’s 43-run win over defending champions South Africa on the opening day of the U-19 World Cup in Chittagong last Wednesday.
Sanjit went wicketless in the game but had a brilliant economy, conceding only 30 runs from eight overs to restrict the Africans’ chase. The match officials’ report concerning Sanjit’s action was handed over to the Bangladesh team management after the match.
The 18-year old’s chances of featuring in the rest of the tournament are now hanging in the balance. The International Cricket Council has formed an expert panel to review match footage of the off-spinner’s bowling action to determine if the action is legal or illegal.
The result is likely to come in the next three days and if negative, it will end Sanjit’s journey in the remainder of the tournament. The junior Tigers’ next Group A clash is scheduled for Sunday against Scotland in Cox’s Bazar.
Bangladesh U-19 coach Mizanur Rahman while talking to the media personnel at Sheikh Kamal International Stadium in Cox’s Bazar yesterday informed that Sanjit being reported was likely, given his unusual bowling action.
“It is unfortunate for us but we knew he might be reported. His bowling action is a bit different,” said Mizanur.
The Bangladesh coach however, believes Sanjit’s action is well within the tolerance level of the ICC’s Rules & Regulations.
“It is true that his bowling action looks different but I believe he is under the regulations, which is within the acceptable elbow extension. I hope he will come out of this soon and return to the field. He is only an 18-year old. I do not think there is anything to worry about,” Mizanur explained.
A replacement will soon be named by the Bangladesh Cricket Board if Sanjit is unable to continue in the tournament. Sanjit’s bowling action will be scrutinised further under the ICC’s process outlined in Section 4 of the ICC Regulations for the Review of Bowlers Reported with Suspected Illegal Bowling Actions.