Former Bangladesh captain and veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan won’t be allowed to bowl in competitions organised by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) because of an illegal bowling action.
“Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been suspended from bowling in ECB competitions following an independent assessment of his bowling action,” the ECB said in a statement. “Shakib’s action was reported by the standing umpires while he was playing for Surrey in the County Championship match against Somerset in September.
“Shakib completed an independent assessment at Loughborough University earlier this month, which found that the elbow extension in his bowling action exceeded the 15 degree threshold as defined in the regulations.
“This suspension takes effect from the receipt of the independent assessment on 10 December 2024.”
The 37-year-old Shakib, who bowls left-arm spin besides being a more than useful batter, was specifically recruited by Surrey for the vital match against championship contenders Somerset, considering the Taunton surface was anticipated to favour spin bowlers.
Despite Surrey’s 111-run loss, Shakib demonstrated his prowess by claiming nine wickets across both innings, with his side ultimately securing the championship regardless of this setback.
The experienced bowler, who remains unsigned by any English county for the 2025 season, cannot participate as a bowler in ECB competitions until he successfully completes an independent assessment of his bowling technique.
