Shakib Al Hasan banned from bowling by ECB after action deemed illegal

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has suspended Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan from bowling in all competitions under its jurisdiction after his bowling action was found to be illegal. The decision follows an independent assessment carried out at Loughborough University, which confirmed irregularities in the left-arm spinner’s action.

Shakib’s action was reported in his only appearance for Surrey in a county match against Somerset in September, at Taunton. On-field umpires Steve O’Shaughnessy and David Millns raised concerns after Shakib took nine wickets in the match. He then had to undergo analysis of his bowling action, which led to the suspension.

“Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been suspended from bowling in ECB competitions following an independent assessment of his bowling action.”

“Shakib’s action was flagged by the permanent referees 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 revealed that the elbow extension in his bowling action exceeded the 15. degree threshold as defined in the Regulations.

“This suspension takes effect from receipt of the independent assessment on December 10, 2024 and follows the process set out in the ECB regulations for the review of bowlers reported with suspected illegal bowling action. Shakib is not eligible to participate in ECB competitions until he has successfully passed an independent reassessment of his bowling action,” the statement read.

Although Shakib’s current suspension relates to competitions in the United Kingdom, section 11.3 of the ICC bowlers’ examination regulations states that the ban could extend beyond ECB-organized events, and potentially impact Shakib’s participation in international cricket and tournaments organized by other cricket boards. To return to bowling on England’s domestic circuit, Shakib will have to undergo a reassessment and receive clearance from the ECB.

Shakib’s appearance for Surrey was his first spell for the county since playing for Worcestershire in the 2010-11 season. He had joined Surrey in a short-term role as the team dealt with the absence of eight players due to England duties.

Notably, this is the first time in Shakib’s 17-year career, spanning 447 matches and 712 international wickets, that his bowling action has been questioned.

Shakib has been away from international cricket since the Test series against India in September-October. He had expressed interest in retiring from Test cricket during Bangladesh’s home series against South Africa.but security concerns kept him from making the team. He also missed the ODI series against Afghanistan in the UAE and Bangladesh’s tour of the West Indies, although he played in the T10 tournament in Abu Dhabi.