Chetan Sakariya included in list of players with suspect bowling actions ahead of IPL auction

In a surprising turn of events, Chetan Sakariya, the left-arm pacer from Saurashtra, finds himself on the suspect bowling action list unveiled by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Despite not facing a ban, the 25-year-old, known for his impressive stints in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the past, has been identified by the board as one of seven players with a suspect action.

With 19 IPL games and brief appearances in one ODI and two T20Is for India, Sakariya's inclusion in the suspect list is raising questions. The details surrounding when he was reported remain unclear, with officials from the Saurashtra Cricket Association expressing their lack of awareness.

While Sakariya is not currently banned from bowling, the BCCI has informed IPL franchises about the situation. Clarifying that Sakariya, presently recovering from a back stress fracture, is not facing a ban, the BCCI has alerted teams. Recently released by the Delhi Capitals, there are indications that the left-arm pacer might make a swift return, potentially participating in the upcoming Ranji Trophy.

Having missed out on this season's domestic matches, including the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Sakariya, listed with a base price of Rs 50 lakh, is gearing up for the IPL auction.

Sakariya is not the only name on the suspect list; it includes other notable players like Tanush Kotian, Rohan Kunnummal, Chirag Gandhi, Salman Nizar, Saurabh Dubey, and Arpit Guleria. Manish Pandey and KL Shrijith from the Karnataka State Cricket Association are facing bowling bans.

As IPL teams await information on the availability of foreign players, especially with the T20 World Cup approaching in June, the BCCI has yet to provide clarity. The auction, scheduled for December 19 at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, will feature 333 players, including 214 Indians and 119 overseas cricketers. As the auction approaches, teams are gearing up for an exciting bidding session with 116 capped players and 215 uncapped players in the lineup.