CPL to investigate Kieron Pollard's no-ball

Barbados Trident’s skipper, Kieron Pollard found himself in the centre of an enormous controversy after he bowled a huge no-ball denying opposition batsman Evin Lewis a century in a league match of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). After the incident, Pollard was criticized on social media which eventually prompted the officials to take notice.

If Lewis had got to his century, it would have been the second fastest century in cricketing history, only after his CPL opening partner, Chris Gayle who scored a 30-ball century in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2013. In the league match, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots were chasing Barbados’ total of 128 runs. In reply, opening batsmen Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis hammered Barbados’ bowlers all around the park, which equalled the score in mere 7 overs.

To bowl the 8th over, Pollard jogged up and not only overstepped a long way but bowled a bouncer way too high that would have likely been called ‘wide’ had it not been a no-ball.

Investigation to be done

Understanding the scenario, CPL official came with an official statement and said, “the incident at the end of the match between Barbados Tridents and the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots… where the match was ended with a no ball bowled by Kieron Pollard is being reviewed.”

The statement added the CPL was “very concerned by any suggestion that the action of any player can be considered to have brought the game or the league into disrepute.”

Morrison disappointed with Pollard

Pollard’s no-ball attracted widespread censure. Danny Morrison, who was in the commentary box straight away said: “disappointed”. “(Lewis) deserved a hundred and I’ve got to say, as positive and excited as I am, it’s a pretty disappointing way for Pollard to finish the game,” said Morrison.

“It hurts (missing out on the hundred), but hitting 97 not out off 33 balls – I’ll take that any day,” Lewis had said then. “I’ve been hitting the ball long and hard in the nets. I’m confident now and looking forward to the playoffs.”

Speaking in the post match presentation, Pollard offered more reasons for the case to be investigated as he said, “That ending sums up our campaign.”