Bangladesh's iconic all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been handed a ban from bowling in all tournaments organized by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), following an independent assessment at Loughborough University. The assessment revealed that Shakib’s bowling action violated the ECB’s 15-degree elbow extension threshold, which is a violation of the regulations governing bowling actions in English domestic cricket. The suspension, which came into effect on December 10, 2024, stems from concerns raised during Shakib’s only appearance for Surrey in the County Championship match against Somerset in September.
In that match, Shakib was in impressive form, taking nine wickets across two innings and showcasing his skills as a left-arm spinner. However, his bowling action was flagged by umpires, leading to a formal review by the ECB. While Shakib’s performance was a highlight for Surrey, with his wickets playing a crucial role in the game, his action came under scrutiny. To regain eligibility to bowl in ECB competitions, Shakib will need to undergo and pass an independent reassessment, proving that his action conforms to the 15-degree elbow extension limit set by the ECB.
This ban adds another chapter to what has been a difficult period in Shakib’s career. The 37-year-old has long been regarded as one of the finest all-rounders in modern cricket, known for his match-winning ability both with the bat and ball. However, his international career has taken a break since October 2024, and his absence has coincided with significant political controversy back home in Bangladesh. Shakib, a Member of Parliament under the now-dissolved Awami League government, found himself embroiled in the political unrest surrounding nationwide protests earlier this year. The protests, which resulted in numerous civilian casualties, led to public backlash against Shakib, especially given his political affiliations. Amid this turmoil, Shakib announced his retirement from T20 internationals and chose to skip what would have been his farewell Test match in Mirpur.
Shakib’s appearance for Surrey in the County Championship was his first in English county cricket since the 2010-11 season. His recruitment for the match against Somerset was a strategic one, as the pitch at Taunton was expected to favor spinners, and Shakib was hoping to make an impact. Although Surrey lost the match by 111 runs, they managed to clinch the championship title. Despite the team’s defeat, Shakib’s individual performance stood out, further demonstrating his bowling prowess and skills with the bat.
However, the ongoing suspension raises questions about Shakib’s future involvement in competitive cricket. Currently, Shakib is unsigned for the 2025 English county season, and his ability to return to county cricket and international play as a bowler now hinges on passing an independent reassessment of his bowling action. The suspension casts a shadow over his future in both franchise cricket and international cricket, with the ban coming at a time when his presence on the global stage has already diminished due to his break from international duty.
As Shakib navigates this latest setback, the cricket world will be watching closely to see if he can clear the reassessment and return to the game. His future contributions to cricket remain uncertain, but his status as one of Bangladesh’s greatest ever cricketers ensures that his journey through this turbulent period will remain a topic of discussion in the years to come.
