The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has suspended Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan from bowling in all competitions organized by the ECB. The decision follows an independent assessment of his bowling action conducted at Loughborough University, which found his elbow extension exceeded the permissible 15-degree threshold as per regulations.

Background

Shakib was reported for a suspect bowling action during his one-off appearance for Surrey in a county match against Somerset in September 2024. On-field umpires Steve O’Shaughnessy and David Millns raised concerns after Shakib claimed nine wickets in the game. As a result, he underwent an independent analysis earlier this month.

The ECB confirmed that the suspension took effect from December 10, 2024, when the assessment results were received. The findings align with the ECB’s Regulations for the Review of Bowlers Reported with a Suspected Illegal Bowling Action.

Impact on International Cricket

Although the suspension currently applies only to ECB-organized competitions, ICC regulations could extend the ban to international and domestic cricket across all member boards. According to Section 11.3 of ICC regulations, suspensions imposed by a National Cricket Federation must be respected globally, potentially sidelining Shakib from bowling internationally and in other domestic tournaments.

To resume bowling in ECB competitions, Shakib will need to pass a reassessment of his bowling action.

Career Context

This marks the first time in Shakib’s illustrious 17-year career that his bowling action has come under scrutiny. Over 447 international matches, he has taken 712 wickets, establishing himself as a cornerstone of Bangladesh cricket.

Shakib’s suspension follows a challenging period. He last played international cricket during the Test series against India in September-October. Though he planned to retire from Tests during the home series against South Africa, security concerns kept him away. Shakib has since missed several international assignments but participated in the Abu Dhabi T10 League.

Next Steps

Shakib’s suspension casts uncertainty over his participation in upcoming international fixtures and other leagues. His fans and cricket boards globally will be closely watching as he works toward clearing his action through reassessment.

England’s rising star Shoaib Bashir continues to impress, yet remains focused on improving his game after a remarkable performance in Nottingham. The 20-year-old spinner became the youngest English player to take a five-wicket haul in a home Test, leading England to a 241-run victory against West Indies.

Bashir’s outstanding 5/41 in the second innings helped limit West Indies to 143 runs. His achievement surpassed the record held by the recently retired James Anderson. Despite this success, Bashir remains critical of his first innings performance, where he took two wickets for 108 runs at an economy rate of over four.

Reflecting on his game, Bashir said, “I wasn’t too happy with the way I bowled in the first innings. So it was nice to cash in there.” He acknowledged the need to work on consistency and managing his economy while still aiming for wickets.

Bashir’s humility and determination shine through as he looks to improve. “I’m always looking for ways to improve. I was leaking boundaries quite frequently, but I still was trying to take a wicket. There’s a lot to work on, and gaining more experience will help me.”

Grateful for his rapid rise, Bashir remains grounded and focused. “It’s always a learning curve. I’m just grateful for everything that’s been given to me and I’ve just got to keep working hard. All cricket is tough. I’m still learning, still developing.”

Bashir’s height, standing at 6ft 4in, has proven advantageous in England, where extra bounce aids spinners. He hopes this attribute will continue to benefit him, especially in challenging conditions like those in Australia, where England will tour in 2025/26.

For now, Bashir is taking it step by step. “I’m just grateful to be in the position I am. I take things step by step and I think religion helps me with that. I’m always going to stay grounded, stay humble.”

England’s final Test against West Indies begins on 26th July in Birmingham, and all eyes will be on Bashir to see if he can continue his impressive form.

Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane is ready to embark on a new cricketing adventure. The veteran batsman has signed with Leicestershire County Cricket Club for the upcoming One-Day Cup replacing South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder.

This move comes as Rahane finds himself out of the Indian national team setup. For Leicestershire it’s an opportunity to bring in a player with vast international experience. Rahane boasts an impressive record with over 26,000 runs across all formats including 51 centuries.

“I’m really excited to have another opportunity to come to Leicestershire” Rahane said. He expressed enthusiasm about working with the coaching staff and contributing to the team’s success. Rahane had been slated to join Leicestershire last summer but international commitments prevented it.

The 36-year-old’s arrival bolsters the defending champions’ squad for the One-Day Cup. His wealth of experience including 195 appearances for India should prove invaluable. Rahane’s best international score of 188 against New Zealand in 2016 highlights his potential impact.

For Rahane this county stint offers a chance to showcase his skills and potentially catch the eye of Indian selectors once again. Cricket fans will be eager to see how the accomplished batsman fares in English conditions as he begins this new chapter in his career.

Tasmania seized control of their clash against Western Australia, courtesy of an outstanding double century from Caleb Jewell, which turned the tide of the game in their favor.

Despite conceding the first-innings lead, Tasmania made a promising start in the second innings, building a lead of 86 runs by stumps on the second day. However, Jewell’s remarkable innings of 227 runs propelled Tasmania into a dominant position.

Joined by Beau Webster, who notched up a century off just 175 balls, Jewell formed a formidable partnership of 183 runs for the fifth wicket, further solidifying Tasmania’s advantage. Bradley Hope’s contribution with a half-century further extended Tasmania’s lead to a commanding 449 runs by stumps.

With Tasmania firmly in control, Western Australia faces a daunting task ahead as they strive to stage a comeback in the contest.

Brief Scores:
Tasmania: 537/8 (Caleb Jewell 227, Beau Webster 100; Joel Paris 3/76) & 183
Western Australia: 271
Tasmania leads by 449 runs

Victoria asserted their dominance against New South Wales in a commanding display, led by stellar centuries from overnight half-centurions Will Pucovski and Peter Handscomb.

Pucovski showcased patience and resilience, crafting a composed innings of 131 runs from 302 deliveries, while Handscomb contributed a fluent 114, guiding Victoria to a formidable total. With a first-innings lead of 202 runs secured, Victoria declared their innings.

In response, Victoria’s bowler Scott Boland made early inroads into New South Wales’ batting lineup, reducing them to 40/3 by stumps on day three. Boland’s impressive performance put New South Wales in a precarious position, requiring a remarkable effort on the final day to salvage the match.

With Victoria firmly in control, New South Wales faces a daunting task ahead as they aim to mount a significant comeback in the contest.

Brief Scores:
New South Wales: 252 & 40/3
Victoria: 454/6d
Leading Run-Scorers: Will Pucovski (131), Peter Handscomb (114)
Leading Wicket-Taker: Scott Boland (2/19)
Victoria leads by 162 runs

Queensland secured a convincing seven-wicket victory over South Australia in their recent clash in Adelaide, successfully chasing down a target of 206 runs on the third day of the match.

South Australia’s Nathan McAndrew provided an early breakthrough by dismissing Matt Renshaw, setting the tone for the match. Despite the loss of another opener, Queensland kept their composure, with skipper Marnus Labuschagne leading the charge.

Labuschagne’s resilient 45-run contribution anchored Queensland’s innings, well-supported by Jack Clayton, who remained unbeaten on 54. Ben McDermott’s aggressive 46 not out further cemented Queensland’s dominance as they comfortably crossed the finish line.

Earlier in the game, South Australia managed scores of 132 and 232 in their respective innings, with Jake Lehmann and Alex Carey making significant contributions. However, Queensland’s bowlers, led by Mark Steketee, restricted their opponents effectively.

With this win, Queensland showcased their strength and determination, marking a confident start to their campaign in the tournament.

Brief Scores:
South Australia: 132 & 232
Queensland: 159 & 206/3