Zimbabwe all-rounder Kelis Ndhlovu suspended from bowling in international cricket
The Zimbabwe women’s cricket team has received a setback ahead of their international commitments as young all-rounder Kelis Ndhlovu has been suspended from bowling in international cricket. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed the decision after an independent assessment of her bowling action declared it illegal. Zimbabwe all-rounder Kelis Ndhlovu suspended
The 19-year-old left-arm spinner, who has already made a name for herself as one of Zimbabwe’s brightest young talents, was reported during the first ODI against Ireland in Belfast on 26 July 2025. Following the report, she underwent a detailed assessment in Pretoria, South Africa, where it was found that her bowling action does not comply with ICC’s regulations. Zimbabwe all-rounder Kelis Ndhlovu suspended
ICC confirms suspension under Article 6.1
According to the official statement, the suspension of Kelis Ndhlovu falls under Article 6.1 of the Bowling Regulations. This means she will remain banned from bowling in international cricket until she undergoes a re-assessment that clears her action. Zimbabwe all-rounder Kelis Ndhlovu suspended
“Ndhlovu’s suspension shall remain in place until she submits to a re-assessment of her bowling action which confirms that she can bowl without using an illegal action,” the ICC statement read.
This is a huge blow for Zimbabwe cricket because Ndhlovu has been one of their consistent performers, especially with the ball in limited-overs cricket. Zimbabwe all-rounder Kelis Ndhlovu suspended
Kelis Ndhlovu’s cricket journey so far
Kelis Ndhlovu rose to prominence as the captain of Zimbabwe’s U19 side during the inaugural ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup in 2023. Her performances at the youth level earned her a fast-track entry into the senior Zimbabwe women’s cricket team. Zimbabwe all-rounder Kelis Ndhlovu suspended
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ODI career: 13 matches, 19 wickets, bowling average 19.
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T20I career: 51 matches, 44 wickets, bowling average 19.
Apart from her bowling, she has also contributed with the bat, making her a reliable all-round option for the team. At just 19 years old, her suspension is seen as a hurdle but also an opportunity to work on her action and make a strong comeback. Zimbabwe all-rounder Kelis Ndhlovu suspended
Impact on Zimbabwe women’s cricket
Zimbabwe women’s cricket is currently going through a rebuilding phase, trying to establish itself as a competitive side in international cricket. Losing a player like Ndhlovu, who not only bowls but also adds depth to the batting lineup, will affect the balance of the team. Zimbabwe all-rounder Kelis Ndhlovu suspended
The suspension comes at a time when Zimbabwe are preparing for a busy schedule, including ODI and T20I series against stronger oppositions. Without Ndhlovu’s bowling, the team will have to depend heavily on other spinners and pacers to deliver consistent performances. Zimbabwe all-rounder Kelis Ndhlovu suspended
Precedents in women’s cricket
Illegal bowling action cases are not uncommon in men’s cricket, but they are relatively rare in women’s cricket. Ndhlovu’s case will now draw more attention to the monitoring of actions in the women’s game. The ICC has been strict about maintaining the legality of bowling actions, ensuring fairness and equal competition across formats. Zimbabwe all-rounder Kelis Ndhlovu suspended
Cricketers like Sunil Narine, Saeed Ajmal, and Shoaib Malik faced similar bans in men’s cricket in the past and later made successful comebacks after remodeling their actions. Zimbabwe will be hoping Ndhlovu follows the same path. Zimbabwe all-rounder Kelis Ndhlovu suspended
What lies ahead for Ndhlovu?
For now, Kelis Ndhlovu can continue to play international matches as a batter and fielder, but she cannot bowl until she clears a re-assessment. She and the Zimbabwe Cricket Board are expected to work with specialists to remodel her action and ensure it complies with ICC’s 15-degree elbow extension limit.
Given her young age and proven talent, cricket experts believe she can bounce back stronger. The challenge will be whether she can adjust her action without losing the effectiveness that made her a wicket-taking bowler.
The suspension of Kelis Ndhlovu from bowling in international cricket is a tough moment for Zimbabwe cricket, but it also presents an opportunity for the youngster to refine her skills. At 19, she still has a long career ahead, and her determination will be key to overcoming this setback.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how quickly she returns with a legal action and continues to contribute as one of Zimbabwe’s most promising all-rounders.
