Unfair Advantage of Chucking in Cricket: Why Illegal Bowling Actions Threaten the Spirit of the Game
Cricket is a sport built on skill, precision, and fairness. Among its most fundamental laws is the requirement that a bowler must deliver the ball with a straightened arm. When a bowler bends and straightens the elbow beyond the permitted limit during delivery, it is termed “chucking” — an illegal bowling action. Over the years, chucking has sparked major controversies at both domestic and international levels. But why is chucking considered such an unfair advantage in cricket?
Table of Contents
What Is Chucking in Cricket?
Under the laws of cricket (Law 21), a delivery is deemed illegal if the bowler’s elbow extension exceeds 15 degrees from the point at which the bowling arm reaches shoulder height until the ball is released.
In simple terms:
- Bowling requires a rotational shoulder action
- Throwing involves elbow extension
- If the elbow straightens significantly during delivery → it is illegal
The 15-degree tolerance was introduced after biomechanical research revealed that even legal bowlers naturally extend their elbow slightly during delivery.
The ICC’s 15-Degree Rule Explained
The current regulation allows up to 15 degrees of elbow extension because:
- Scientific studies showed most bowlers naturally extend between 5–12 degrees.
- Human perception struggles to detect illegal extension below 15 degrees.
- A zero-tolerance rule would unfairly penalize almost all bowlers.
The ICC’s standardized testing procedure includes:
- High-speed motion capture
- 3D biomechanical analysis
- Controlled environment replication of match intensity
This ensures objective evaluation rather than visual judgment alone.
Why Chucking Provides an Unfair Advantage
- Increased Ball Speed: When a bowler straightens the elbow during release, it effectively turns the bowling action into a partial throw. This adds extra propulsion to the ball, increasing speed beyond what is achievable through a pure rotational bowling action.
In pace bowling, even a marginal speed increase (5–10 km/h) can significantly reduce a batter’s reaction time.
- Extra Revolutions for Spinners: For spin bowlers, chucking allows:
- More revolutions on the ball
- Sharper turn off the surface
- Deceptive variations
A spinner who illegally straightens the elbow can impart more spin than a legally compliant bowler. This makes deliveries harder to read and play, particularly in subcontinental conditions.
- Reduced Physical Strain: A legal bowling action relies heavily on:
- Shoulder rotation
- Core strength
- Hip drive
- Wrist positioning
Chucking reduces biomechanical stress on certain muscle groups, allowing bowlers to generate power with less effort. Over time, this can also improve endurance.
- Element of Deception: Illegal actions often make it harder for batters to pick:
- The seam position
- Release point
- Length cues
This unpredictability distorts the competitive balance between bat and ball.
Also Check: 6 Reasons Why Test Cricket is So Hard
Controversial Bowlers Accused of Chucking
Chucking controversies have involved some of the biggest names in cricket history.
Muttiah Muralitharan
Perhaps the most famous chucking controversy involved Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan. He was called for throwing during the 1995 Boxing Day Test in Australia.
- His unusual hyperextended elbow made his arm appear bent.
- Biomechanical testing later cleared him.
- ICC studies showed many bowlers exceeded earlier tolerance limits.
Muralitharan went on to become the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket history (800 wickets), but his action remains one of cricket’s most debated topics.
Also Check: Why Shane Warne is called the King of Spin despite Muralitharan’s higher wicket count
Saeed Ajmal
Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal was suspended in 2014 after tests revealed elbow extension beyond 15 degrees.
- Known for his deadly doosra.
- Failed biomechanical testing.
- Returned after remodeling his action, but never regained peak dominance.
His case showed how correcting an illegal action can reduce effectiveness — highlighting the competitive edge chucking provides.
Sunil Narine
The West Indian mystery spinner faced multiple reports in international cricket and the IPL.
- Suspended from bowling in 2015.
- Modified his action.
- Continued to be scrutinized in franchise cricket.
Narine’s case emphasized how T20 leagues intensified scrutiny around suspect actions.
Shane Shillingford
The West Indies off-spinner was banned in 2013 for illegal elbow extension.
- Returned after corrective measures.
- His suspension significantly weakened West Indies’ spin attack.
Harbhajan Singh (Early Allegations)
Harbhajan Singh faced allegations during the 2000s, particularly regarding his doosra. However, he was never officially banned. His case illustrated how perception and suspicion often fuel controversy even without formal sanctions.
The ICC’s Scientific Approach: Eliminating Subjectivity in Chucking Decisions
For decades, chucking allegations were based largely on umpire perception, which created inconsistency and controversy. Human vision struggles to detect elbow extension differences below certain thresholds, particularly in high-speed actions. To address this, the International Cricket Council adopted a data-driven, biomechanical framework.
High-Speed Cameras
Modern testing facilities use ultra high-speed cameras recording at 300–1000 frames per second. These cameras:
- Capture minute elbow movements invisible to the naked eye
- Break down the delivery frame-by-frame
- Identify the exact point of maximum elbow extension
This ensures the analysis is not influenced by visual illusion or bowling style.
3D Motion Capture Systems
Markers are placed on key anatomical points:
- Shoulder
- Elbow joint
- Wrist
- Spine
Using 3D motion tracking software, analysts reconstruct the bowling action digitally. This provides:
- Precise angular measurement of elbow flexion and extension
- Release speed and torque analysis
- Comparative modeling against legal thresholds
The elbow angle is measured from the point the arm reaches shoulder height until ball release. If extension exceeds 15 degrees, the action is deemed illegal.
Laboratory Replication of Match Intensity
One criticism in early years was that bowlers might modify actions in testing labs. To counter this:
- Bowlers are instructed to deliver at full match pace
- Multiple deliveries are recorded
- Different variations (yorkers, slower balls, doosras) are tested
This simulates competitive conditions. The ICC requires a representative sample size to avoid anomalies.
Why This Matters
The ICC’s scientific protocol:
- Removes racial or stylistic bias
- Reduces umpire pressure
- Protects bowlers with naturally hyperextended elbows
- Creates uniform global standards
Without such technological backing, chucking decisions would remain inconsistent and controversial.
Can Bowlers Successfully Remodel Their Action?
Yes — but the process is technically and mentally demanding.
Remodeling requires:
- Biomechanical correction training
- Rebuilding muscle memory
- Thousands of repetition drills
- Video and motion feedback sessions
Common Consequences of Remodeling
Reduced Pace (For Pacers)
Correcting elbow extension removes the added thrust. Many pacers lose several km/h after correction.
Less Spin and Turn (For Spinners)
Illegal extension often contributes to higher revolutions. Once corrected:
- Revolutions per minute (RPM) drop
- Drift decreases
- Doosras become less effective
Loss of “Mystery Factor”
Bowlers known for unorthodox actions often lose unpredictability after remodeling. Batters adjust quickly.
Psychological Confidence Dip
Being reported can:
- Damage reputation
- Create self-doubt
- Increase media scrutiny
- Affect rhythm and fluidity
Confidence is critical in bowling. Any hesitation during release impacts performance.
Final Perspective
The ICC’s scientific testing framework has transformed chucking from a subjective accusation into a measurable biomechanical issue. Yet the psychological, tactical, and performance implications remain enormous.
Chucking is not merely a technical flaw — it can alter match results, player careers, and even tournament outcomes. Strict monitoring, combined with technological precision, is crucial to preserving fairness in modern cricket.
