Aimee Maguire, an emerging talent in Ireland's cricket scene, has been banned from bowling in international cricket. The International Cricket Council (ICC) ruled her bowling action illegal after match officials reported her following a one-day international against India in Rajkot on January 10. The independent bowling assessment revealed that the elbow extension in her delivery exceeded the permitted 15-degree tolerance. This ruling takes immediate effect, prompting Cricket Ireland to initiate a remedial program led by national women's spin bowling coach James Cameron-Dow.
The assessment of Maguire's bowling action took place at the ICC-accredited testing centre in Loughborough, England, on January 21. At just 18 years old, Maguire, who made her international debut in 2023 and has since earned 20 caps for Ireland with 25 wickets across formats, finds herself sidelined. The ICC stated that her suspension aligns with clause 6.1 of their regulations.
"As a result, in accordance with clause 6.1 of the regulations, Aimee is immediately suspended from bowling in international cricket" – ICC
Cricket Ireland responded swiftly to the suspension, outlining a plan to rectify Maguire's bowling action. The organization emphasized the importance of supporting the young spinner during this critical phase of her career.
"action a remedial programme with immediate effect" – Cricket Ireland
Graham West, Cricket Ireland's director of high performance, highlighted the necessity of providing top-tier support to Maguire. He explained that the remedial program would not only address her bowling action but also accommodate her educational commitments as she prepares for her Leaving Certificate exams in the summer.
"A programme has already been designed that will fit alongside Aimee's educational commitments as she prepares to complete her Leaving Certificate in the summer" – Graham West
West further stressed the dedication of James Cameron-Dow and the support team in helping Maguire develop a safe and legal bowling action. Their aim is to reintegrate her into the international stage, where she has already received substantial support from her teammates.
"James Cameron-Dow and the support team we put around Aimee will work tirelessly towards developing a safe, repeatable and legal action that will return her to the international stage playing alongside team-mates, who have already provided huge support and encouragement" – Graham West
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