Ireland’s Aimee Maguire has been suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect after an Independent Assessment confirmed that the left-arm spinner uses an illegal bowling action.

The 18-year-old was reported by match officials for a suspect bowling action during the first ODI of the ICC Women’s Championship series against India in Rajkot on 10 January.

She subsequently underwent a bowling assessment at the ICC Accredited testing centre in Loughborough, United Kingdom, on 21 January, where it was revealed that the amount of elbow extension in her bowling action exceeds the 15-degree level of tolerance permitted under the ICC Illegal Bowling Regulations.

As a result, in accordance with clause 6.1 of the regulations, Aimee is immediately suspended from bowling in international cricket. Her suspension will remain in effect until she undergoes a re-assessment of her bowling action which confirms that she can bowl with a legal action.

The next step is that the player in question undertakes a remedial programme to correct her bowling action that will be led by National Women’s Spin Bowling Coach James Cameron-Dow.

Graeme West, Director of High Performance at Cricket Ireland, said: “It is critical that Cricket Ireland provide Aimee with the highest level of support throughout the remedial process. 

"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. 

"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.”