Chucking in Cricket: Understanding Rules and Consequences
Written by: OCB Editorial Team • 02.09.2025
If you've followed cricket for a while, you may have heard heated debates about chucking in cricket. The term itself can spark strong emotions because it goes right to the heart of what makes bowling fair.
In simple terms, chucking refers to an illegal bowling action where the bowler straightens the elbow beyond the allowed limit while delivering the ball. The controversy lies in whether a bowler is genuinely bowling or actually throwing.
Knowing how the International Cricket Council (ICC) and umpires handle suspect actions can give you good insight into match outcomes, player availability, and even live betting opportunities.
On OCBscores Cricket Guides, we often stress how off-field details like player suspensions or bowling restrictions can influence odds.
This guide will take you through the meaning of chucking, the official rules, how it is spotted, and some famous cases from international matches. You’ll walk away with a full understanding of why chucking is not allowed in cricket. Read on!
What is Chucking in Cricket?
| Chucking in cricket means delivering the ball with a throwing action rather than a proper bowling action. In cricket, the bowler’s arm must remain relatively straight when the ball is released. If the elbow straightens too much, it gives the bowler an unfair advantage, similar to throwing in baseball. Chucking is considered illegal because it changes the dynamics of the game. Bowlers who throw can generate more speed and spin, which tilts the balance unfairly against the batter. That’s why the ICC has set strict guidelines to define what counts as a fair delivery. |
The Difference between bowling and throwing
The difference between bowling and throwing lies in the elbow movement. A legal bowling action means the arm remains straight, with only a natural flex allowed. Throwing, on the other hand, involves an obvious straightening of the elbow during the delivery stride, which catapults the ball unnaturally.
Why elbow straightening is the key factor
The elbow is the key because it’s the part of the arm that creates the “sling” effect. Even the best bowlers naturally bend their elbow slightly, but if they extend it beyond 15 degrees while releasing the ball, it falls into the territory of chucking.
ICC Chucking Rule and Legal Limits
The ICC has clear rules to define what counts as chucking. These laws ensure that bowlers are treated fairly across international cricket, whether they are pacers or spinners.
15-degree elbow extension rule
The most important law is the 15-degree rule. A bowler is allowed to straighten their elbow up to 15 degrees during delivery. Anything more is considered illegal. This rule is based on biomechanical studies that showed most bowlers naturally flex their arms slightly when bowling.
When the rule is applied during delivery
The rule is specifically applied at the point between the arm reaching shoulder height and the release of the ball. That’s the critical part of the action where extra straightening can unfairly add speed or spin.
Law 21 of MCC on fair delivery
According to Law 21 of the MCC Laws of Cricket, a fair delivery is one where the arm does not extend unnaturally during the bowling action. The law is designed to protect the integrity of the game by ensuring every bowler delivers the ball under the same rules.
Expert Perspective
Our in-house cricket analyst Dhruv explains it simply:
“Think of bowling as an art form. Every bowler has their style, but rules mean the art remains fair. Without the chucking rule, cricket would become a game of throwers, and spinners could start to dominate unfairly.”
How Chucking is Detected and Penalised
Umpire’s role in calling a no-ball
According to Law 21 of the MCC, an umpire can immediately call a no-ball if they believe a bowler has a clear unfair action. However, in modern international cricket, umpires are now supposed to report a bowler with a suspect action to the match referee rather than calling a no-ball on the field. This allows the action to be checked in a biomechanics lab, which provides a more accurate assessment. This change has made on-field no-ball calls for chucking extremely rare.
Biomechanical testing at ICC-accredited centres
Today, most chucking cases go through biomechanical testing. Bowlers reported for a suspect action are sent to an ICC-accredited biomechanics centre, where high-speed cameras and motion sensors measure elbow flex. If the extension goes beyond 15 degrees, the bowler fails the test.
Remedial action and re-testing process
If a bowler fails, they are suspended from bowling in international cricket. However, they are given a chance to remodel their action, undergo coaching, and return for re-testing. Several bowlers, like Saeed Ajmal, have returned successfully after making technical changes.
Famous Chucking Cases in International Cricket
Muttiah Muralitharan’s 1995 Melbourne incident
The legendary Sri Lankan spinner was called for chucking by umpire Darrell Hair, sparking a major controversy. At the time, the rules were not as clear, and his unique elbow deformity made his action appear suspicious.
The controversy led the ICC to request biomechanical studies, which resulted in the introduction of the 15-degree tolerance rule in 2005 to account for the natural flexion of the arm during delivery.
Saeed Ajmal’s doosra and 2014 suspension
Pakistan’s off-spinner Saeed Ajmal was famous for his doosra. However, in 2014, he was suspended after tests showed his elbow extension went beyond 15 degrees. Ajmal worked hard to remodel his action but was never the same bowler again.
Ian Meckiff’s career-ending no-ball call
In the 1960s, Australian fast bowler Ian Meckiff was controversially called for chucking. The decision ended his career, and to this day, his case remains a reminder of how serious such accusations can be.
Sunil Narine’s repeated suspect action reports
West Indies spinner Sunil Narine faced several reports for a suspect action in both international cricket and domestic T20 leagues. Though he remodelled his action several times, his career momentum was disrupted.
Conclusion
Chucking in cricket is more than just a technical issue, it goes to the very spirit of the game. By understanding the chucking rule in cricket, the role of umpires, and how the ICC enforces fair play, you gain deeper insight into both the sport and its betting markets.
For example, a bowler under investigation may miss matches, directly affecting team balance and odds. You can stay updated on such developments through our Cricket Schedule and trusted and fully licensed Cricket Bookmakers.
FAQs
Chucking meaning in cricket is the illegal action of when a bowler straightens the elbow beyond the allowed 15-degree limit gaining an advantage against the batter.
Chucking gives the bowler an unfair advantage by adding speed or spin unnaturally. It disrupts the balance between bat and ball.
The bowler can be suspended from bowling, asked to remodel their action, and must pass biomechanical tests before returning.
Thanks to advanced testing, chucking is less common today. However, suspect actions are still reported, especially in spin bowlers using variations like the doosra or carrom ball.
Yes, many bowlers remodel their action and return. However, their effectiveness often decreases, as seen in the case of Saeed Ajmal.
