Vikrant Shetty has become the second UAE bowler this year to be reported for a suspect action. Shetty was reported by the umpires after the UAE's impressive draw against Afghanistan at the Sharjah Cricket stadium.
The 27-year-old all-rounder – who bowls off spin – was making his first-class debut and bowled 11 overs over two innings without taking a wicket. Shetty also scored 57 runs and an unbeaten 21.
Under ICC regulations, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has 21 days to make an official assessment and report back to the International Cricket Council (ICC), but Shetty is allowed to play in matches during that period.
Kabir Khan, the UAE coach, said Shetty was expected to feature in his side’s 50-over game against Afghanistan today, stating: “He is in the ODI [one-day international] squad and he’s been doing so well, so he is likely to play. He is actually a batting all-rounder and not a main strike bowler so we were likely to use him only for three or four overs if that in a 50-over game.”
Nasir Aziz was reported during the final of the World Cricket League Division Two against Namibia in April, but his action was cleared after analysis by the ECB.
Observers believe the same may happen with Shetty. As there is no video available during the matches, it is difficult to confirm with the naked eye whether the action falls within the prescribed 15-degree limit.
The analysis, as happened with Aziz, will probably be conducted at the ICC Global Cricket Academy in Dubai with the academy head coach, Mudassar Nazar, and Kabir.
In 2009, Fayyaz Ahmed, the UAE’s left-arm spinner, was also reported by the ICC, though that was only for a specific delivery – the doosra – that he bowled.
He has since resumed his career.
