In a setback for the USA Women’s cricket team, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended Isani Vaghela from bowling in international cricket. The decision comes in the middle of the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026 in Nepal, and she will have to undergo further assessment to receive clearance.
The USA kept their qualification hopes alive with a 28-run victory 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 mid-tournament will force the management to reshuffle their bowling plans for the remaining matches.
USA Seamer 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 USA’s match against Ireland in Nepal. The Event Panel later reviewed footage from her next game and found that her action did not meet the required regulations.
“The USA’s Isani Vaghela has been suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect after the ICC’s Event Panel confirmed that the seam bowler uses an illegal bowling action,” the media release stated.
Isani Vaghela to Remain Suspended Until Fresh Bowling Action Assessment
The ICC added that the ban will stay in place until Isani Vaghela undergoes a fresh assessment. She will only be cleared to bowl again once the review confirms that her action is within the laws.
“The Event Panel reviewed match footage of Vaghela’s bowling action in her subsequent match and concluded that she employs an illegal bowling action and as such, in accordance with Article 6.7 of the regulations, she is suspended from bowling in international cricket.”
“Vaghela’s suspension shall remain in place until such time as she submits to a re-assessment of her bowling action which confirms that she can bowl without using an illegal bowing action,” the media release stated.
Vaghela can still play for the USA as a specialist batter, as the suspension applies only to her bowling. However, her inability to bowl is a major setback for the USA side 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 provisionally suspended from all forms of cricket. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the decision just days before the team’s T20 World Cup opener.
Notably, the ICC has charged Jones with five breaches of the anti-corruption code. The charges relate to alleged match-fixing during the 2023-24 Bim10 League in Barbados, as well as a failure to report corrupt approaches in international matches.
Jones, who was one of the standout performers during USA’s 2024 World Cup run, has been forced to leave the squad. He was not included in the tournament squad, with USA set to begin their campaign against India at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7.
Also read: USA captain Monank Patel breaks silence on sharing dressing room with Pakistan players in T20 WC
