Shakib Al Hasan, the renowned all-rounder from Bangladesh, has been suspended from bowling in all ICC-approved competitions, both domestic and international. This suspension, announced by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on December 15, follows an earlier ban imposed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) due to his illegal bowling action.
Suspension Based on Independent Assessment
The suspension came after Shakib failed an independent assessment of his bowling action conducted at Loughborough University, an ICC-accredited testing facility in the UK. The assessment followed an incident during an English county cricket match in September, where his bowling action was reported as suspicious.
The ECB suspended Shakib from bowling in any competitions under its jurisdiction, which automatically extended to all ICC-approved national cricket federations, including domestic and international cricket. The Bangladesh Cricket Board confirmed this development, clarifying that Shakib would be suspended from bowling in both domestic competitions outside Bangladesh and international cricket until further notice.
In the official statement, the BCB mentioned:
“The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been informed that national team all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been suspended from bowling in competitions under the jurisdiction of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). As a result, Shakib is also suspended from bowling in domestic cricket competitions outside Bangladesh and in international cricket.”
Opportunity for Reassessment and Reinstatement
Despite the suspension, there is a clear path for Shakib to regain his ability to bowl in official cricket tournaments. The BCB confirmed that Shakib will undergo a reassessment at an ICC-accredited testing center soon. If his bowling action is cleared in the reassessment, the suspension will be lifted, allowing him to bowl again in both international cricket and domestic cricket competitions governed by national cricket federations.
The BCB further added:
“Should the results of this [reassessment] analysis clear his action, Shakib will be permitted to bowl in international cricket and in domestic cricket competitions under the jurisdiction of all national cricket federations.”
For the time being, Shakib is allowed to participate as a batter in all forms of domestic and international cricket.
A Storied Career
Shakib Al Hasan’s cricketing career spans over two decades, during which he has built a legacy as one of the most successful and versatile all-rounders in the history of the game. With an impressive record in all formats, Shakib has played 71 Tests, 247 ODIs, and 129 T20Is, making significant contributions with both bat and ball.
Although Shakib has effectively retired from Test and T20I cricket, he continues to be an essential part of Bangladesh’s One-Day International (ODI) team. His last appearance for the Bangladesh national team came during the second Test against India in Kanpur earlier this year.
Current Participation in Lanka T10 Tournament
Shakib is currently participating in the Lanka T10 tournament as part of the Galle Marvels. However, due to his bowling suspension, he has refrained from bowling in recent matches, including one played on Sunday evening.
Impact on Bangladesh Cricket
This suspension is a significant blow to Bangladesh cricket, as Shakib’s role as an all-rounder has been crucial in the team’s successes across various formats. While he remains available to play as a batter, his absence from bowling in official competitions will undoubtedly impact both Bangladesh’s domestic and international performances.
Despite the setback, Shakib’s commitment to addressing the issue with his bowling action gives hope that he will soon return to full capacity, allowing him to continue contributing in all areas of the game. His fans, as well as the cricketing world, will be closely watching his progress as he works towards clearing his action.
