Suspect bowling action costs Botha IPL contract

According to media reports, Botha was in line for a lucrative contract with Rajasthan Royals in the weeks prior to the T20 tournament. But the IPL franchise dropped the idea after the off-spinner was reported for suspect action during the fourth ODI against Australia.

His suspect bowling action might have cost South African off-spinner Johan Botha a chance to play for defending champions Rajasthan Royals in the high-profile Indian Premier League.

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According to media reports, Botha was in line for a lucrative contract with Rajasthan Royals in the weeks prior to the Twenty20 tournament. But the IPL franchise dropped the idea after the off-spinner was reported for suspect action during the fourth ODI against Australia in Port Elizabeth recently.

The Shane Warne-led Rajasthan Royals was understood to have been the team most interested in acquiring his services for the second season of the IPL in the absence of last year's Most Valuable Player of the tournament, Shane Watson, highest wicket-taker Sohail Tanvir and Australian speedster Shaun Tait.

"There were two or three teams interested in my services, but they could not offer me a contract because of this issue," 'Sports 24' quoted Botha as saying.

South African Cricketers' Association chief executive, Tony Irish also confirmed that an IPL franchise was interested in Botha.