In a blow to the United States women’s cricket team, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended Isani Vaghela from bowling in international cricket. The decision comes in the midst of the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026 in Nepal and will have to undergo further evaluation to gain approval.
The United States kept their qualification hopes alive with a 28-run win over Thailand. Vaghela has been a key part of their setup, taking four wickets in six matches at an economy rate of 6.40. Losing a frontline seamer midway through the tournament will force the management to reshuffle their bowling plans for the remaining matches.
USA fast bowler Isani Vaghela suspended from bowling in international cricket
According to an official media release by the ICC on Saturday (January 31), Isani Vaghela has been suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect.
The 20-year-old was first reported by match officials after the USA’s match against Ireland in Nepal. The event panel later reviewed footage from his next game and found that his actions did not meet the required rules.
“USA’s Isani Vaghela has been suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect after the ICC Events Panel confirmed that a seam bowler used an illegal bowling action,” the media release said.
Isani Vaghela to remain suspended pending fresh bowling action assessment
The ICC said the ban will continue until Isani Vaghela is re-evaluated. He will be allowed to bowl again only when the review confirms that his action is within the ambit of the law.
“The Event Panel reviewed match footage of Vaghela’s bowling action in the subsequent match and concluded that he used an illegal bowling action and in accordance with Article 6.7 of the Rules, he is suspended from bowling in international cricket.”
“Vaghela’s suspension will continue until she submits to a re-evaluation of her bowling action, which confirms that she can bowl without using an illegal bowling action,” the media release said.
Vaghela can still play for the USA as a specialist batsman, as the suspension only applies to his bowling. However, his inability to bowl is a major blow for the United States as they chase qualification for the main tournament.
USA cricketer Aaron Jones provisionally suspended ahead of T20 World Cup
USA men’s cricketer Aaron Jones has been temporarily suspended from all forms of cricket. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the decision days before the team’s inaugural T20 World Cup.
Specifically, the ICC has charged Jones with five violations of the anti-corruption code. The charges relate to alleged match-fixing during the 2023–24 BIM10 League in Barbados, as well as failure to report corrupt approaches in international matches.
Jones, who was one of the standout performers during the USA’s 2024 World Cup, has been forced to leave the team. He was not included in the tournament squad, while the USA were to begin their campaign against India on 7 February at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Also read: USA captain Monank Patel breaks silence on sharing dressing room with Pakistani players in T20 World Cup
