Kolkata Knight Riders Might Pull out of IPL 8 if Sunil Narine is not Cleared: Reports
Kolkata Knight Riders officials have pointed out that Sunil Narine was cleared by the ICC and he shouldn't be forced to undergo another one. The team has also alleged the BCCI of 'targeting' their star spinner.
The eighth edition of the Indian Premier League is still nine days away but the first controversy has already hit the tournament. Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are set to get into a legal battle with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the participation of their star spinner Sunil Narine, according to a report. (Duminy Appointed as Delhi Daredevils Captain)
West Indian Narine was banned for his suspect action during the 2014 Champions League Twenty20 and was barred from playing in the final against Chennai Super Kings. KKR lost the game by eight wickets. Following that, Narine was dropped from West Indies' tour of India in November and then, the mystery spinner himself opted out of the 2015 World Cup. (Pietersen to Skip IPL 2015)
Narine went back to the nets to rework on his action and was cleared by the ICC after his bio-mechanical test in Loughborough.
However, BCCI refused to accept the ICC report and has insisted that the off-spinner from Trinidad has to undergo another round of testing at the Sri Ramachandra University in Chennai. (Dhoni says Speculation on His Role in IPL Scam Will Never Stop)
KKR, as expected, is now contemplating legal action against BCCI, according to a report in the Mumbai Mirror. The Kolkata franchise officials have pointed out that since Narine was cleared by the ICC, he shouldn't be forced to undergo another one. The team has also alleged the BCCI of 'targeting' their star spinner.
KKR also said that Narine was not hauled up for 'chucking' during the IPL but his action was suddenly found illegal in the CLT20.
The BCCI president's office has confirmed that a decision would be taken regarding this matter in the next few days. KKR chief executive officer Venky Mysore, however, has denied the reports about KKR speaking to the BCCI chief.
KKR Sign Up Mahmood, Botha as Replacements
Meanwhile, in another development, the defending champions from Kolkata have signed up former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood and former South African off-spinner Johan Botha as replacements for the injured New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham and Australian batsman Chris Lynn.
Neesham, who failed to make the cut in New Zealand's World Cup squad, is yet to regain match fitness while Lynn was ruled out for 10 weeks after a hamstring tear in the Sheffield Shield earlier this month.
Delighted to welcome @johan_botha & @AzharMahmood11 to the @KKRiders family. Great additions.
- Venky Mysore (@VenkyMysore) March 29, 2015
Really sorry will b missing @lynny50 & @JimmyNeesh due 2 injuries. Get well soon boys. Hope 2 c u back in action soon. @KKRiders
- Venky Mysore (@VenkyMysore) March 29, 2015