Shakib al Hasan faces BIG setback, banned from bowling ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025
New Delhi: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed that Shakib Al Hasan will be banned from bowling in all ICC-sanctioned domestic and international tournaments. This decision follows the ECB’s ruling that Shakib’s bowling action is illegal, leading to his suspension from bowling in domestic competitions.
Shakib Al Hasan‘s bowling action was investigated following Surrey’s loss to Somerset in September. Initially, it was believed that the ECB’s ban applied only to England’s domestic tournaments, but the Bangladesh Cricket Board clarified that Shakib is banned from bowling in all top-level cricket events. However, Shakib remains eligible to play as a pure batter. He will now undergo further testing at an ICC-accredited center, and if his action is cleared, he will be allowed to bowl again.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been notified that all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been suspended from bowling in competitions governed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Consequently, Shakib is also banned from bowling in domestic competitions outside Bangladesh and in international cricket. This suspension follows the results of an independent assessment conducted at an ICC-accredited testing center in the United Kingdom.
“The BCB also understands that, according to clause 11.4 of the ICC regulations, Shakib may undergo further analysis at an ICC-accredited testing center. If the results of this analysis clear his action, Shakib will be allowed to bowl in international cricket,” the BCB stated in a media release.
This is the first time Shakib Al Hasan has been banned from bowling due to an illegal action since his debut in 2006. The ace all-rounder is considered one of the best cricketers ever, holding the unique record of over 14,000 runs and 700-plus wickets in international cricket.
Shakib Al Hasan announced his retirement from Test and T20I cricket during the India tour but expressed a desire to play the final Test in Dhaka against South Africa. However, his request was not granted due to political tensions in the country following Sheikh Hasina’s exit. Despite this, Shakib remains an active cricketer and is keen to represent Bangladesh in the upcoming Champions Trophy.