DUBAI—Zimbabwe women’s team all-rounder Kelis Ndhlovu has been suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect after an independent assessment confirmed her bowling action is illegal.
The 19-year-old left-arm spinner was reported by match officials during the first ODI against Ireland in Belfast on July 26. She subsequently underwent an assessment in Pretoria, South Africa, which found her action to be in breach of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) regulations.
According to Article 6.1 of the ICC’s Bowling Regulations, the suspension will remain in place until Ndhlovu undergoes a re-assessment that confirms her bowling action is no longer illegal.
A key player for the Zimbabwean side, Ndhlovu has represented the country in 13 ODIs and 51 T20Is, taking 19 and 44 wickets respectively. She also captained Zimbabwe’s U19 side in the inaugural ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup in 2023. While she can no longer bowl, she can continue to be selected as a specialist batter. The suspension is a significant blow to Zimbabwe’s bowling attack as the team prepares for future international assignments. ATP
