Cricket fans are taken aback as the ICC suspends all-rounder Kelis Ndhlovu from bowling in international matches. Match officials reported her action during the first ODI against Ireland in Belfast on July 26. She then traveled to Pretoria, South Africa, for a bowling test. The test showed that her action was against the rules, leading the ICC to ban her from bowling right away.
Officials noticed irregularities in her left-arm spin during the Ireland series. Therefore, they reported her to the ICC. According to the rules, the ICC must send a reported player for testing at an approved center. The independent assessment proved that Ndhlovu’s bowling action did not meet the legal standards.
Ndhlovu is only 19 years old, yet she has already made her mark in Zimbabwe cricket. She was at the helm of the team during the inaugural ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup in 2023. In her senior cricket career, she has participated in 13 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 51 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
She has scored 192 runs and taken 19 wickets in ODIs, along with 822 runs and 44 wickets in T20Is. These stats highlight her potential as a strong all-rounder. She plays cricket with such boldness that she frequently changes the course of the game. However, this suspension arrived at a crucial stage of her career.
The ban does not end her career. She can return once she corrects her action. According to ICC regulations, she must remodel her bowling and then pass another test. If she clears the assessment, she can bowl again. In fact, many international bowlers have faced similar issues and returned successfully. Meanwhile, Ndhlovu can still contribute as a batter. She can also train with coaches to fix her action. Her age and determination give her a strong chance to bounce back.
Zimbabwe will feel the loss of Ndhlovu’s bowling. She remains one of their most important players. Without her, the team loses balance and depth in the bowling attack. Zimbabwe will need to rely on other bowlers until she makes her comeback. However, she can still score runs and guide the team with her leadership. Even if she cannot bowl, her batting and confidence will continue to inspire her teammates.
This suspension also delivers an important lesson for rising cricketers. The ICC enforces strict rules on bowling actions to maintain fairness in the game. Young players need to concentrate on honing their technique. With proper guidance and training, they can avoid such problems.
To sum up, ICC suspends all-rounder Kelis Ndhlovu, and the decision creates a major challenge for Zimbabwe cricket. However, this is not the end for her. She has the talent, energy, and support to correct her actions and come back stronger. As a result, fans now wait to see her make a successful return to international cricket.
