KKR threaten to pull-out of IPL 8 over Sunil Narine clearance issue

NEW DELHI, India The eighth edition of cash-rich Indian Premier League is merely nine days away, but the champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are yet to settle in for their title defence.According to reports, the Kolkata-based franchise has unresolved issues with the organisers of the tournament, the all-powerful Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding one of their star players, Sunil Narine.

The reports said that KKR are even considering a pull-out from the 2015 edition over the West Indian spinner’s clearance issue.
The 27-year-old from Trinidad and Tobago was banned for his suspect action for a second time in two matches during KKR’s 2014 Champions League Twenty20 campaign, where they finished runners-up to Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
His bowling action was first reported in the semi-final against the Hobart Hurricanes that resulted in his missing out the final against the CSK, which KKR lost by eight wickets.
According to BCCI rules, a player who has been reported for suspect action cannot play in the competitions sanctioned by the Indian board.
Subsequent to that, he was not considered for the West Indies’ tour of India last November and the offie pulled himself out of the 2015 ICC World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Meanwhile, Narine underwent a biomechanical test in Loughborough, which was approved by the International Cricket Council (ICC), despite the sport’s governing body staying away from conducting the test.
However, the Indian board has refused to accept ICC’s letter of clearance and insisted on conducting another round of tests at the Sri Ramachandra University in Chennai.
In the light of these latest developments, KKR’s team management feels that the Indian board is targeting their player and if Narine is not allowed to take part in this year’s competition, they will boycott it.
The two-time champions are even considering a legal recourse to resolve the matter, reports added. (Zee Media Bureau)