Shakib Al Hasan's Bowling Action Cleared After Lengthy Review 🏏

Bangladesh cricket fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief: Shakib Al Hasan’s suspension from bowling has been officially lifted by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The veteran all-rounder faced a challenging period following concerns raised about the legality of his bowling action, but rigorous testing and remediation efforts have now yielded a positive outcome.

The Initial Suspension and Concerns

The trouble began in September 2024 during Shakib’s brief appearance for Surrey in the County Championship against Somerset. Standing umpires reported his bowling action, triggering a review process under ECB regulations. This marked the first time in his distinguished 20-year professional career that Shakib had been reported for an illegal bowling action. Following the report, the ECB suspended him from bowling in top-flight domestic and international cricket.

The Remediation Process: A Series of Tests

Shakib's journey back to legal bowling involved a series of assessments designed to identify and correct the irregularity in his action. The process unfolded as follows:

1. Initial Test (September 2024): Shakib’s first assessment at Loughborough University resulted in failure, confirming the ECB’s suspension.
2. Second Test (January 2025): A subsequent test conducted in Chennai also proved unsuccessful. This setback led to the Bangladesh selectors omitting him from the squad for the Champions Trophy, which was widely considered a potential farewell to international cricket.
3. Third and Decisive Test (March 9, 2025): Undeterred, Shakib underwent a third assessment at Loughborough University. This time, all 22 deliveries he bowled were deemed legal, signifying a successful remedy to his action.

ICC and BCB Confirmation

According to Clause 11.3 of the ICC’s regulations for illegal bowling actions, Shakib’s initial suspension was automatically recognized and enforced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in international cricket, as well as by all national cricket federations within their respective domestic competitions. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has now confirmed that Shakib has “successfully remedied his action,” paving the way for his return to bowling in all forms of cricket.

Implications for Shakib and Bangladesh Cricket

This clearance is a significant boost for both Shakib Al Hasan and the Bangladesh national cricket team. His return as a bowling all-rounder will substantially strengthen the team's balance and competitiveness. It also allows Shakib the opportunity to potentially participate in upcoming international tournaments and domestic leagues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What constitutes an illegal bowling action? An illegal bowling action generally refers to a bowling action that involves straightening the arm beyond the permitted 15-degree angle during the delivery process. This is to ensure fairness and prevent bowlers from gaining an unfair advantage through excessive speed or spin.

• Why was Shakib Al Hasan reported? Standing umpires observed that Shakib’s bowling action appeared to exceed the permitted arm straightening angle during his delivery.

• What are the ICC regulations regarding illegal bowling actions? The ICC has specific regulations (Clause 11.3) that govern the reporting, assessment, and suspension of bowlers with illegal actions. These regulations aim to maintain the integrity of the game.

• Can Shakib be reported again? While the current suspension is lifted, Shakib's action will likely be monitored, and he could be reported again if concerns arise in the future.