Media Releases

ICC clarifies current status of Muralitharan report

The ICC today clarified the status of the report prepared by the University of Western Australia on the bowling action of Muttiah Muralitharan and which body is responsible for acting on the findings of this report

The ICC today clarified the status of the report prepared by the University of Western Australia on the bowling action of Muttiah Muralitharan and which body is responsible for acting on the findings of this report.
The ICC confirmed the following points:
  • That, at this time, the ICC has not been forwarded a copy of the report by Sri Lanka Cricket;
  • As this issue is currently at Stage One of the ICC process, any decision or action arising from the report will be the responsibility of Sri Lanka Cricket. This includes any decision on whether or not the bowler should continue to bowl the particular delivery that has been the subject of the investigation;
  • That the existing regulations governing the degree to which a spin bowler can straighten his arm or "level of tolerance" (5 degrees) remain in place and will be enforced;
  • That should any bowler be reported for a second time within 12 months of the first report, the ICC will convene a hearing of its own Bowling Review Group which has the power to impose a ban of up to 12 months should it determine that the bowler's action is illegal.
  • ICC Chief Executive, Malcolm Speed, detailed the ICC position on the levels of tolerance permitted for spin bowlers in light of recent media speculation concerning the comments allegedly made in the report.
    "The current levels of tolerance reflect the reality that most bowlers straighten their arm to some degree when bowling," said Mr Speed.
    "These current levels of tolerance are based on expert advice that suggests beyond a certain level, bowlers will gain an unfair advantage. In the case of spin bowlers, the allowable level of straightening is five degrees.
    "As recently as last September at its meeting of Board Chief Executives in India, the ICC reviewed these levels and all countries were in agreement that the current standards should remain in place.
    "It is these universally agreed levels of tolerance that were applied in the three previous cases already dealt with over the past 12 months and it is these levels which will continue to be applied in relation to any bowlers reported with a potentially flawed action.
    "There has been some media speculation that because the ICC will be conducting further research into the actions of spinners, the current levels of tolerance should not be applied in this case. This suggestion lacks common sense.
    "If, at some yet to be determined point in the future and as a result of a proper research program, there is evidence to support a change to these regulations, then such a change will be considered.
    "Until that time, we will continue to apply the current regulations that have been agreed and supported by all countries.
    "Should there be further concerns from match officials after a bowler has completed Stage One of this process; the ICC has the system in place to ensure that these are addressed."
    For further information:
    Brendan McClements
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