Muralitharan's bowling action has been a subject of controversy throughout his career.
The Controversy:
Muralitharan's bowling action, particularly his "doosra" (a delivery that spins in the opposite direction to a leg break), was repeatedly questioned for being illegal.
Critics argued that his arm extended beyond the permissible 15 degrees during delivery, which is considered chucking in cricket.
This led to multiple appeals and accusations of cheating, especially from opposing teams and commentators.
The Debate:
Muralitharan was subjected to numerous tests and scrutinized by officials.
Despite some initial rulings against him, his action was ultimately deemed legal by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after numerous tests and modifications to his bowling technique.
The debate, however, continued, with some arguing that the ICC's decision was influenced by his remarkable success and the impact on Sri Lankan cricket.
Impact of the Controversy:
The controversy surrounding Muralitharan's bowling action had a significant impact on his career.
He faced constant scrutiny, criticism, and accusations of cheating.
However, he persevered, proving his ability to bowl legally and becoming one of the most successful bowlers in cricket history.
Legacy:
Despite the controversy, Muralitharan's legacy as a legendary bowler remains undisputed.
He holds the world record for the most Test wickets (800) and is widely considered one of the greatest bowlers of all time.
The controversy, however, serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding bowling actions in cricket and the complexities of defining what constitutes a legal delivery.
