Zimbabwe women’s cricketer Kelis Ndhlovu has been banned from bowling in international matches after her action was found to be illegal by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The 19-year-old left-arm spinner was reported by match officials during the first ODI against Ireland in Belfast on 26 July. She later underwent testing in Pretoria, South Africa, where it was confirmed that her bowling action was illegal.
The apex cricket body has announced her suspension with immediate effect. According to ICC regulations under Article 6.1, Ndhlovu is not permitted to bowl in international cricket until she undergoes a reassessment that confirms her action is completely legal.
“The decision regarding Kelis Ndhlovu of the Zimbabwe women’s team came after an independent assessment confirmed that the left-arm spinner uses an illegal bowling action,” said the ICC in an official media release.
Ndhlovu is regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s most talented young players. She was also the captain of Zimbabwe’s Under-19 team at the inaugural ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup in 2023. To date, she has played 13 ODIs and 51 T20Is for the senior Zimbabwe team, taking 19 wickets in ODIs and 44 wickets in T20Is. Her bowling has been very effective, with an average close to 19 in both formats.
This suspension is a big loss for Zimbabwean cricket, as she is one of the key bowlers in the team. However, she can continue to play as a specialist batter until she receives clearance from the ICC to resume bowling.
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