All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been banned from bowling in all competitions after the England Cricket Board (ECB) recently deemed his bowling action illegal, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed on Sunday.
Shakib was investigated for his action after his club Surrey’s loss to Somerset in September. This was the only match he played for the county side where he scored 12 runs in the 1st innings and 0 in the second. While it was initially understood that the veteran all-rounder was only barred from bowling in English competitions, the BCB clarified that the ban was applicable globally under the aegis of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) rules.
“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. This suspension follows the outcome of an independent assessment conducted at an International Cricket Council (ICC) accredited testing centre in the United Kingdom.
“The BCB also understands that, as per clause 11.4 of the ICC regulations, Shakib may undergo further analysis at an ICC-accredited testing centre. Should the results of this analysis clear his action, Shakib will be permitted to bowl in international cricket,” the BCB shared in a media release.
While the bowling ban holds, Shakib can continue to play as a specialist batter in any competition. “The BCB is aware that Shakib will soon appear for reassessment at an accredited testing centre in an effort to have his bowling action cleared,” the BCB stated.
The incident is the first instance since his international debut in 2006 that Shakib’s bowling action has come under scrutiny. The left-arm all-rounder holds the unique double of being the only cricketer to record over 14000 runs and bag 700-plus wickets.
Shakib’s last competitive match was on November 30, captaining the Bangla Tigers in the Abu Dhabi T10 league in Abu Dhabi. He remained unbeaten on 0 while bowling two wicket-less overs for 12 runs.
Shakib had announced his retirement from Tests and T20Is — his plan to play a final Test on home soil in the recently concluded series against South Africa was ruined by personal security concerns — but he has said he still wishes to play the Champions Trophy next year for Bangladesh.
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