Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been given the all-clear to bowl again after months of uncertainty surrounding his bowling action. The 37-year-old had previously failed two tests, but recent results suggest he has successfully addressed concerns about the legality of his bowling technique.
This news is a significant relief for Shakib, who was excluded from Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy squad because selectors were unwilling to select him solely as a batter. The ban on his bowling meant the all-rounder was unable to participate in the ICC tournament, which he had intended to be his farewell to international cricket.
The saying “third time’s the charm” proved true for Shakib, who passed his latest bowling action test in England. In an interview, he confirmed the news, expressing understandable happiness.
“The news is correct (regarding passing the bowling test), and I am cleared to bowl again,” Shakib stated.
Questions about Shakib’s bowling action first arose during a County Championship match between Surrey and Somerset in September 2024. Subsequently, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) suspended him from bowling following an independent review that deemed his action illegal.
Shakib then underwent two separate reassessments, first in England and then in India, failing both times, which led to his bowling suspension.
