KKR team management to provide full support to Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine (R) in action in the CLT20

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team director Joy Bhattacharjya has said that the team management will provide star spinner Sunil Narine with full support following his suspension from bowling in the Champions League T20 (CLT20) final, against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday, after being reported for suspect bowling action.  

“Sunil is not only a fantastic cricketer but also a brilliant team man. Right now, we are not thinking about anything else but we want him to come back strongly and not get disheartened. We are with him and we will help him in all necessary manner,” Bhattacharjya told PTI.

When asked if the Knight Riders are considering appealing against the decision, Bhattacharjya said: “As per the rules and guidelines of the CLT20, there are no provisions for appealing. If three umpires — two on-field and the third umpire have felt that his action is suspect, you have to respect their decision.” 

It was Narine’s quicker delivery that was reported by on-field umpires C Shamshuddin and Anil Chaudhary during the team’s final group stage match, against Dolphins. As per CLT20 rules, Narine ran the risk of being suspended if he continued bowling the quicker delivery during the tournament; the 26-year-old, though, didn’t heed the warning and has led to him paying the price now.

Narine was reported, for the second time, during their semi-final clash against Hobart Hurricanes on Thursday by on-field umpires Rod Tucker and S Ravi, and he has to now sit out of the final as a result. 

The West Indian’s absence is a huge blow to the IPL franchise, as he is one of the best T20 bowlers in the world currently, illustrated by his No.2 ICC ranking for bowlers in T20 internationals and the fact that he, with 12 wickets from 5 matches, is the leading wicket-taker in this year’s CLT20.