No action against Kieron Pollard for bowling a no ball deliberately

The authorities of Caribbean Premier League (CPL) have decided to take no action against Kieron Pollard with regards to the no-ball he bowled to deny a century for Evin Lewis. The decision was taken following an investigation and discussion with the bowler himself. He was accused to have bowled a deliberate no-ball due to which the batsman missed out on a well-deserved century against St. Kitts Nevis and Patriots on September 3 during the CPL match.

Evin Lewis, who is currently in England playing the ODI series, had smashed 97 off just 32 deliveries with 11 gigantic sixes and had brought side within one run of the victory. He needed a boundary to score the second fastest T20 century ever but Pollard overstepped the mark which denied him from creating the history. However, the bowler and the skipper of Barbados Tridents came under severe criticism for his action.

Lewis did not blame Pollard

CPL released a statement on Thursday stating that there was no ill-intent from the bowler and the tournament was played within the laws of the game. “The Hero CPL remains firmly committed to ensuring that the tournament is played within the laws and spirit of cricket and welcome Pollard’s comments confirming that there was no ill-intent in what happened when he bowled the final ball of the match to Evin Lewis of the Patriots,” the statement read.

Lewis too had expressed his disappointment after the incident but did not pose any blame on his country mate. Also, Pollard too had pleaded not guilty and had made it clear that he did not bowl it deliberately at all. After getting cleared from the investigation he thanked CPL for supporting him throughout and said he was proud to participate in the tournament like it. “I welcomed an investigation as I’ve maintained all along that the no-ball was not intentional, and I’m pleased to have the support of the CPL. It’s a very important tournament for me and one I thrive in. I play the game hard but I take my position as a leader seriously. I also have a great deal of respect for Evin Lewis – both as teammate and opponent,” he said as quoted by Cricbuzz.