Bangladesh’s talismanic all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has, at long last, been cleared of suspect bowling action after enduring for months what was a late blot to his career. The 37-year-old had flunked the test twice but the latest results have come in his favour and Shakib should soon be able to roll his arm over again.
The development is a soothing balm for Shakib who had been left out of Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy squad as the selection panel decided against picking him as a specialist batter. The question mark attached to his bowling action saw the experienced all-rounder miss the ICC event which he had earmarked for his farewell in international cricket.
Shakib’s action first came under the microscope during a County Championship fixture for Surrey against Somerset in September 2024. Thereafter, the England and Wales Cricket Board barred him from bowling following an independent evaluation that found his action to be illegal. As per clause 11.3 of the ICC’s regulations for illegal bowling actions, his suspension was by default recognised and enforced by the governing body in international cricket and by all national cricket federations in their respective domestic tournaments. So many rules and regulations eh! Break free by playing Zoome Casino in Canada.
The second assessment of his action took place at the Sri Ramachandra Centre for Sports Science in Chennai last month, but he did not manage to get a clean chit still. However, the phrase third-time lucky has proved right in Shakib’s case as he has eventually been given the approval in his latest bowling action test in England.
Due to this ban, Shakib had been out of international cricket since he featured in the two Tests in India last year. He was unable to travel to Bangladesh as the students’ protests raged on nationwide. Shakib was a member of parliament for the Awami League ruling party, which relinquished power in the face of student-led crusade in Bangladesh, on August 5. Shakib last played on ODI during the 2023 World Cup and as stated earlier, even missed the recently-held Champions Trophy where Bangladesh accrued only a single point courtesy of an abandoned game against hosts Pakistan.
Their contests against India and New Zealand exposed the chinks in their armour on the global stage, particularly in the 50-over format, which was considered their strong suit not a long time ago.
Mohammad Salahuddin, senior assistant coach of the Bangladesh men’s team, reasoned that Shakib couldn’t bowl with a legitimate action in an effort to impart more spin on the ball during the county game. Shakib was in the UK to get some miles under his legs ahead of Bangladesh’s tour of India.
