Sri Lankan off-spinner Akila Dananjaya was on Thursday handed a 12-month ban by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for an illegal bowling action.

The decision was taken after an independent assessment of his action. The 25-year-old was assessed after the legality of his bowling action came under question during the first Test against New Zealand in Galle from August 14 to 18. He subsequently underwent independent assessment in Chennai on August 29, which revealed that he employed an illegal bowling action.

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Suspended from bowling in December 2018

Dananjaya was originally suspended from bowling in December 2018. Following remedial work on his bowling action, he was reassessed and permitted to resume bowling in February 2019.

"As the latest report constitutes the player's second report within two years, the first of which led to a suspension, he is automatically suspended from bowling in international cricket for 12 months," the ICC said in a statement.

Can apply for re-assessment after one year

Dananjaya will be entitled to approach the ICC for a re-assessment of his bowling action after the expiry of this one-year ban period.

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