Cricketer Aimee Maguire Given Permission to Resume Bowling in Ireland
In a significant development for Irish cricket, 18-year-old spinner Aimee Maguire has been given the green light to return to international competition. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that Maguire's remodelled bowling action is within the 15-degree level, making it legal under ICC regulations.
Maguire's journey back to the pitch began in January 2025, following a report of a suspect action during an One-Day International (ODI) against India in Rajkot on January 10. The initial evaluation indicated that her elbow extension exceeded the 15-degree ICC limit, leading to a suspension.
To rectify the issue, Maguire underwent remedial work focused on remodeling her bowling action. This process involved technical adjustments to her bowling mechanics so that her elbow flexion/extension complied with regulations. Support came from Cricket Ireland’s high-performance staff, including James Cameron-Dow and the senior women’s team support squad.
After about six months of hard work and dedication, Maguire was reassessed at an ICC-accredited testing center in Loughborough, UK. The modifications successfully brought her elbow extension within the allowed 15 degrees, leading to her clearance to resume bowling in international cricket.
Since making her international debut in 2023, Maguire has earned 20 caps for Ireland, accumulating 25 wickets across various formats. Ireland's captain, Gaby Lewis, has expressed confidence in Maguire's ability to reintegrate into the squad seamlessly.
However, despite Maguire's clearance, she has not been included in the lineup for the upcoming T20 series against Pakistan. The upcoming series is scheduled to begin on August 6, with games on August 8 and 10.
Despite the delayed return, Maguire's teammates and coaches remain optimistic about her future in the sport. Lewis, the Ireland captain, mentioned that the suspension had significantly impacted Maguire's confidence, but Maguire has since made substantial progress.
As Maguire continues to work on her game, fans and cricket enthusiasts eagerly await her return to the international stage. With her talent and determination, it's clear that Maguire will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in Irish cricket.
[1] https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1762153 [2] https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/other-sports/cricket/2023/02/13/aimee-maguire-irish-spinner-cleared-to-return-to-bowling-after-suspension-25539426 [3] https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1296311.html [4] https://www.the42.ie/aimee-maguire-bowling-action-suspension-icc-4174390-Aug2022/ [5] https://www.independent.ie/sport/cricket/aimee-maguire-cleared-to-resume-bowling-in-international-cricket-41809358.html
[1] Sport: After six months of hard work and dedication, Irish cricket's Aimee Maguire has been given clearance to resume bowling in international cricket, following a remodeled bowling action that complies with International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations.
[2] Sport: Despite Maguire's clearance, she has not been included in the lineup for the upcoming T20 series against Pakistan. However, fans and cricket enthusiasts eagerly await her return to the international stage, hoping to witness her talent and determination once again in the sport.
