Narine’s Action Won’t be Subject to 3D Biomechanical Screening

Narine may need to use video analyst’s footage instead of a 3D biomechanical test to check for fault in his action.

Sunil Narine may need to make use of a video analyst’s footage instead of a 3D biomechanical test to check for fault in his action.

(Photo: BCCI/IPL)

Kolkata Knight Riders off-spinner Sunil Narine, who was called for a suspect bowling action in Saturday's IPL match against Kings XI Punjab, may need to make use of a video analyst's footage instead of a 3D biomechanical test to find fault in his action if he, or his franchise, is to file an Official Assessment after he was put on a warning list.

As of now, Narine is allowed to bowl. If he is reported the next time in the tournament, he will be suspended from the IPL until cleared by the BCCI Suspect Bowling Action Committee. However, there is no Suspect Bowling Action Committee in place as of now.

Due to COVID-19, the BCCI has waived off a requirement for 3D biomechanical test, usually a necessity with the Official Assessment.

As per a clause in the IPL Suspected Illegal Bowling Action Policy 2020, Narine can go for an assessment.

Clause 4.2 states: "Before a Player can request an Official Assessment, he is required to visit one of the ICC Approved Cricket Centres for a 3D biomechanical analysis of his bowling action. The ICC Approved Cricket Centre will produce a detailed report of such analysis for the Player. Note: If a Player is placed on the Warning List or Reported as a result of his participation in Matches then in order to be Cleared for the purposes of this Policy he should request an Official Assessment based on an analysis of his bowling action at SRASSC or one of the other ICC Approved Cricket Centre."

However, due to Covid-19, the BCCI has waived off the need for biomechanical analysis in this edition.

Clause 4.2 in the policy states this: "Owing to the COVID 19 situation and the corresponding travel and the quarantine rules, as on date, that are stipulated by the Health and Safety Protocols during IPL 2020 and by the national government authorities in India, Australia, UK and South Africa, it might not be feasible for a Player to attend the SRASSC or another ICC Approved Cricket Centre. Accordingly, for the 2020 Season, this requirement for a 3D biomechanical analysis of the bowler's action to accompany the request for an Official Assessment is temporarily waived. In the event of a change in the travel restrictions and /or quarantine requirements, BCCI reserves the right to reinstate this requirement during the 2020 Season."

Kolkata Knight Riders off-spinner Sunil Narine has once again been reported for bowling with a suspected illegal action.(Photo: BCCI/IPL)

The SRASSC of Sri Ramachandra University is one of the five ICC approved centres. The others are the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane, Loughborough University, and the University of Pretoria.

In the event of Narine opting for Official Assessment, he will not have the biomechanical test report and a video footage, though not necessary, may be relied upon to judge his action.

Biomechanical analysis uses sensors on either side of the elbow joint to gauge the degree of elbow flexion, with details transmitted to scientists in the lab.

In its Saturday's release on Narine, the BCCI added: "Another report will result in Mr. Narine being suspended from bowling in the IPL 2020 until cleared by the BCCI Suspect Bowling Action Committee."

However, the problem is that despite IPL being such a big tournament, there is no Suspect Bowling Action Committee and the Board may have to create one as the last one was created before the Lodha reforms and since then the Board has had to handle things on a case-by-case basis.

If there is a Suspect Bowling Action Committee, then no one knows as the website doesn't mention any committee. When BCCI and IPL office-bearers were contacted, they either did not respond or declined to comment.