5 bowlers accused of chucking

Jasprit Bumrah (Source: X)

In cricket, accusations of “chucking,” or unlawful bowling motions, have been a recurring issue. These are debated by both experts and fans when it is suspected that a bowler’s elbow extension exceeds the allowed limit. Accused bowlers frequently undergo extensive biomechanical testing to confirm their rule-breaking behaviour.

Such criticism has been directed at even the most successful and gifted bowlers, resulting in action modifications and regulatory adjustments. Many have modified their methods and come back stronger despite these obstacles. They have been able to maintain their top performance in the sport because of their tenacity.

Here are 5 world-class bowlers who have faced chucking allegations:

5. Muthiah Muralitharan

With 800 and 534 wickets, respectively, Muralitharan holds the record for most wickets taken in Test and ODI history. Because of his distinctive off-spin with an uncanny wrist movement, he was initially called for chucking in 1995 during an ODI tri-series and a Test match in Australia. His action was approved by updated ICC guidelines after subsequent biomechanical testing identified a congenital elbow deformity.

Murali won the 1996 World Cup with Sri Lanka, dominating world cricket in spite of the controversies. He was able to adjust well to make good use of variations like the doosra. Due in part to his case, the ICC ultimately established a 15-degree tolerance, which helped dispel any remaining questions regarding his legitimacy.

4. Harbhajan Singh

Ace Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh played more than 100 Tests, 28 T20Is, and 200 ODIs, amassing over 700 international wickets, and was part of two World Cup-winning Indian teams. During his career, there were concerns about the legality of his bowling action, especially his prolific doosra, which became the focus of debate. In 1998 and 2005, he was twice flagged for suspicious action.

Later biomechanical testing required by the ICC showed that parts of his movement, primarily the doosra, exceeded the 15-degree flexion limit. Before being allowed to bowl again at the international level, Harbhajan had to change his technique under supervision. Harbhajan regained his efficacy and was crucial to many of India’s victories in spite of the criticism and technical modifications.

3. Shoaib Akhtar

One of the fastest bowlers in cricket history, Shoaib Akhtar, also known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” terrorized batsmen, claiming 178 Test and 247 ODI wickets for Pakistan. However, his bowling action raised questions about whether his elbow went above the 15-degree limit set by the ICC. He was reported twice for a suspicious bowling motion, most notably in 1999 in Australia.

He was given the all-clear to resume bowling at the highest level after biomechanical testing showed that the hyperextension in his elbow was caused by a physical abnormality. Not only that, but he produced game-winning efforts in World Cups and well-known series despite his frequent ailments. The former speedster became a feared opponent and a worldwide cricketing figure due to his speed, charisma, and ferocity.

2. Saeed Ajmal

Saeed Ajmal was a brilliant off-spinner for Pakistan, known for his cunning doosra, playing a huge part in their 2009 T20 World Cup win. But his bowling action was reported in 2014, particularly his bent elbow when he bowled the doosra, and it was revealed that his elbow flex was more than the allowed 15 degrees. A ban and provisional expulsion from international cricket resulted from this.

Ajmal made a comeback in 2015 with a changed action but found it difficult to achieve the same level of success that he had with his original bowling style. He soon found himself out of the Pakistan team and quietly retired from the game in 2017.

1. Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah is renowned for his unconventional action, deft yorkers, and control, and he leads Indian pace attacks across all formats. Although he was never formally reported, rumours regarding his “jerky” arm movement raised minor legal problems early in his career. Despite being out of the ordinary, his hyperextension fell within the range allowed by the ICC.

Biomechanical evaluations verified that his bowling action remained within acceptable bounds, and no formal penalties were applied. While his action is constantly scrutinized, Bumrah keeps on thriving, emerging as one of the most potent bowlers in the world and playing a key role in India’s success in modern cricket.

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