CPL team manager backs under-fire Sunil Narine

Port of Spain (Trinidad), June 18 (IANS) Guyana Amazon Warriors manager Omar Khan believes embattled off-spinner Sunil Narine remains a massive threat despite his recent troubles.

Trinidadian Narine has been dogged by criticisms of his action over the last year and was called for having a suspected illegal bowling action during last year’s Champions League Twenty20 in India and more recently in the Indian Premier League (IPL), reports CMC.

Despite this, Khan is backing the 29-year-old to delivery for the Amazon Warriors in the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) which bowls off in Bridgetown on Saturday.

"Sunil is still a very valuable member of the team. He has been our icon player since the start of the CPL and he remains an integral part of the set up," Khan said.

"He is mentally strong and he adds a lot of value to the team. He motivates the younger players and he has a lot of experience in Twenty20 cricket. In the training camp so far he has brought a lot of intensity to everything he does. He is focused and committed."

After being called during the CLT20 last September, Narine was forced to remodel his action and subsequently opted out of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand to continue his rehabilitation. He was then forced to undergo Tests on his action before being allowed to turn out for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.

Narine then struggled during the campaign but Khan said that for all Narine's trials, the player remained a potent force.

"He is an internationally acclaimed player and all eyes will be on him but he is mentally tough and he can handle the scrutiny and come back stronger and better and come out on top. Sunil is still a dangerous bowler and he is a match-winner and has proven that in previous seasons," said Khan.

Amazon Warriors clash with defending champions Barbados Tridents in the opening game of CPL on Saturday at Kensington Oval in a replay of last year's final in St. Kitts