The USA Women’s cricket team suffered a major setback during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026 in Nepal after seam bowler Isani Vaghela was suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that Vaghela’s bowling action was found to be illegal following an official review by the Event Panel.

Vaghela was reported by match officials after the USA’s match against Ireland during the ongoing qualifier. As per ICC regulations, the report triggered a detailed review process. The ICC’s Event Panel subsequently examined video footage from Vaghela’s next match and concluded that her bowling action did not comply with the permitted limits under the laws governing bowling actions. Acting under Article 6.7 of the ICC regulations, the panel imposed an immediate suspension on Vaghela from bowling in all international cricket.

In an official statement, the ICC confirmed the decision, stating that Vaghela’s action contravened the rules governing fair bowling. The suspension means the 20-year-old pacer will not be allowed to bowl in any international match until she undergoes a reassessment and is cleared by the ICC to resume bowling with a legal action.

While she remains eligible to represent the USA as a specialist batter, her absence as a frontline seamer weakens the team’s bowling resources. Before the suspension, Vaghela had been performing consistently in the USA, picking up four wickets in six matches at an economy rate of 6.40.

Aaron Jones suspended from all forms of cricket

Earlier in the same week, USA men’s batter Aaron Jones was provisionally suspended from all forms of cricket after being charged with five breaches of the ICC and Cricket West Indies anti-corruption codes. The charges relate primarily to alleged offences during the 2023-24 Bim10 tournament, along with two additional breaches linked to international matches. Jones has been given 14 days from January 28, 2026, to respond to the charges.