Pragyan Ojha cleared to bowl by the BCCI

Pragyan Ojha

Indian left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha has been cleared to resume bowling in competitive cricket by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after passing tests on his bowling action that had taken place at the ICC-accredited testing centre in Chennai on January 30.

Ojha had been banned from bowling in December after his bowling action was found to be illegal with the flex in his elbow exceeding the 15-degree limit as permitted by the International Cricket Council (ICC). He had subsequently been withdrawn from Hyderabad’s Ranji Trophy squad and released by IPL franchise Mumbai Indians. Much to his relief, he has now been brought back into the fold ahead of Hyderabad’s final Ranji Trophy fixture against Himachal Pradesh starting tomorrow.

Speaking to Sportskeeda, Ojha said: “I am relieved that the process was swift. Now, I can start concentrating on cricket again. I had to work very hard. Laxman bhai stood with me throughout the process. There will be no major changes to my action, just minor tweaks. I had to add more strength to my run-up.”

He added: “I was told at around 12’o clock today that I can start playing competitive cricket again. I have been included in Hyderabad squad as well. All my concentration was in getting through it successfully and I am glad that I have been able to do so by god’s grace.”

I would like to take this opportunity to thanks Amol Shinde, Alfred, D vasu sir, Venkatramna sir for helping me out religiously.

— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) February 5, 2015

Big hug to @VVSLaxman281 Anna and Niranjan for being my pillars of strength!

— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) February 5, 2015

pic.twitter.com/Ba3SIXJL0i

— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) February 5, 2015