Sports

Sports

SLC sets the record straight on Murali
By Marlon Fernandopulle
Two top officials of Sri Lanka Cricket(SLC), the acting Chief Executive Duleep Mendis and team manager Ajith Jayasekera have dismissed allegations on Muttaih Muralitharan's bowling action in the media as baseless and fabricated stories planted to demean and demoralise the champion Lankan off spinner ahead of an important series.

Media reports
A newspaper column written by former England captain Michael Atherton alleged that every Muralitharan delivery was illegal. This was followed by former Indian Captain Bishen Singh Bedi's baseless attack on Muralitharan, certain parts of the International media have reported that the off spinner’s action along with a few other bowlers with suspect actions will once again be scrutinized by the International Cricket Council(ICC).

Adding to the confusion the General Manager of ICC Dave Richardson was quoted saying on the evidence that was available at that stage, that they couldn't tell whether Murali was straightening his arm to any degree or not. So he was cleared for that purpose, but that's not to say that he's cleared for ever and a day." And on top of all these comes a news item which says that the ICC will have Bedi to scan Muralitharan’s arm. Ironically Bedi is not part of the ICC or even the BCCI. In fact whenever he makes a comment on Indian cricket it has been a joke.

What the ICC says
However, according to the ICC Official playing regulations 2002/2003, if a player is called for throwing or reported by the umpire(s) or referee for a suspect bowling action the following procedure will apply.

1.The umpire/s or referee will write a report detailing their concerns about the bowling action of the player.

2.The report will be passed to the referee.

3.Video footage of the bowlers entire bowling spell in the match where the report is made will be arranged by the referee on a confidential basis.

4.A copy of the master tape containing the entire bowling spell of the reported player will be couriered by the referee to the ICC immediately.

5.The referee will notify the players team manager and ICC of the report within 24 hours of the end of the days play on which the report is made.

6.The referee will make a media statement within 24 hours of notification that the player has been reported.

7.The ICC will immediately inform the players home Board in writing of the report.

When the Sunday Times asked the acting CE of SLC Duleep Mendis whether he had received anything in writing from the ICC with regard to Muralitharan's bowling action he replied in the negative. " As you know the Home Board will have to be informed if there is any such problem with a bowler. We have not received anything to this effect from the ICC and so I can say that Muralitharan's bowling action has not been questioned".

Team Manager Ajith Jayasekera also dismissed the allegation as baseless. "The regulations state that the Manager of the player concerned will be notified by the match refree within 24 hours if there is a problem with a player’s bowling action.

That time has now lapsed and the match referee has not notified me of any such problem. So how can Murali have any problem?". He added, " these are all fabricated stories with an ulterior motive.

Aussie media tactics
Cricket fans in Sri Lanka are aware that whenever the team faces an important tour and especially the Aussies, stories of Muralitharan's bowling action begins to surface. It is widely believed that he has the capacity to single handedly decide the fate of any opposition in the world let alone the Australians. Thus, even before the umpires could call play the battle has begun.

The allegations, accusations on the star spinner will grab the headlines as the Australian media warms up for the winter vacation in tropical Sri Lanka. Next months tour by the Australians is of added significance for Muttaih Muralitharan who was only recently rated the best bowler by Wisden.

With 485 wickets in 85 tests Muralitharan's march to become the highest wicket taker in the history of the game will gather momentum as he comes within touching distance of Courtney Walsh's 519 wickets.

To make matters worse the Sri Lankan will be competing along side Australian leg spinner Shane Warne(491) who is expected to be in the side for the first time after completing his one year ban from cricket for the usage of steroids. And as the 31 year old Lankan said "I think there will soon be a race between Warne and me, that is a challenge which I like".

Top