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.

Bangladesh cricket icon Shakib Al Hasan may soon play his long-awaited farewell Test match at home, with growing support from key officials at the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). According to a Cricbuzz report, a senior BCB official suggested that efforts are being made to bring Shakib back for the upcoming Test series against South Africa, signaling a possible farewell at home.

The official downplayed concerns surrounding Shakib’s brief political stint, saying, “You cannot point fingers at politician Shakib considering he won the election but his tenure didn’t even last six months. How could he be punished for corruption? Yes, he is paying the price for joining a political party, but he didn’t do much as a politician.” This statement implies that Shakib’s political involvement won’t overshadow his farewell in cricket.

Shakib is expected to inform the BCB about his availability soon, moving a step closer to playing his farewell match in front of his home crowd.

Personal Wish for Shakib’s Final Test

Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain expressed his desire to see Shakib end his Test career on home soil. “Shakib has contributed immensely to the nation. Since he wants to play his final Test at home, I personally hope he gets that opportunity,” Bhuyain stated during the Women’s T20 World Cup match between Bangladesh and Scotland.

Ensuring Security for Shakib

Bhuyain assured that Shakib would receive top-level security for the match. However, he emphasized that any legal issues related to the all-rounder would be handled by the Ministry of Law. “We are committed to ensuring Shakib’s security, and we will stand by that commitment,” he added.

This shift in the BCB’s stance has raised hopes that Shakib may soon get his wish to play his final Test match at Mirpur, despite the political challenges he has faced.

Bangladesh’s veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan may get a chance to play his final Test match at home, as strong support from top officials and security assurances seem to have turned this dream into a likely reality.

Government Support for Shakib’s Farewell Match

Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain has openly expressed his desire to see Shakib play his last Test match in Bangladesh. Bhuyain emphasized Shakib’s contributions to the country and shared his personal wish that the star all-rounder gets the chance to retire in front of a home crowd. “He is a player who has contributed a lot to the country. Since he wishes to play his final Test match in Bangladesh, I personally hope he gets that opportunity,” Bhuiyan stated during the Women’s T20 World Cup match between Bangladesh and Scotland on October 3.

Assurance of Security for Shakib

Bhuiyan also assured that Shakib’s safety is a priority, mentioning that they would provide “the highest level of security” for him. Although any legal allegations against Shakib are a matter for the Ministry of Law, Bhuiyan was clear in the government’s commitment to ensuring Shakib’s protection as he prepares for his final Test match.

This assurance marks a shift in the government’s stance, as just a few days earlier, there was insistence that Shakib needed to clarify his political position to receive security support.

Shakib’s Political Background and Current Situation

Shakib, an ex-lawmaker, has faced challenges due to his brief political involvement, which lasted less than six months. Although accused of being involved in a murder case last month, the situation appears to be evolving. A Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official mentioned that they are actively working to bring Shakib back for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa. The official noted that despite his political ties, Shakib’s short political career may have played to his advantage, making it difficult to fault him on grounds of corruption.

Another challenge that remains is coordinating Shakib’s departure for an upcoming series. The Test series against South Africa ends on November 2, while Bangladesh is expected to travel to the UAE for an ODI series against Afghanistan the next day. BCB officials mentioned that since Shakib is part of the ODI setup, arrangements are being made for him to join the team and travel for the series.

BCB’s Assurance and Future Plans

BCB president Faruque Ahmed, who initially said security could not be provided for Shakib, reversed his stance, confirming that the board is ready to secure the player in and around stadium premises during his final Test. “I have had communication with Shakib and he has a good chance to retire at home,” said Ahmed after a BCB meeting at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

While the final legal considerations rest with the government, the BCB is focusing on providing Shakib with a secure environment to ensure a memorable farewell.

Shakib’s potential return to the Test format for his final game at home represents a full-circle moment for one of Bangladesh’s most prominent cricketers, as preparations are underway to facilitate this milestone in his career.

Bangladesh’s star cricketer, Shakib al Hasan, may have the opportunity to play his farewell Test match at home. The sports adviser to the Bangladesh government, Asif Mahmud, has reiterated the government’s commitment to providing the highest security for the all-rounder, amidst speculation about his retirement and participation in upcoming matches.

Plans for a Farewell Test

Asif Mahmud expressed the government’s desire to honour Shakib’s wish to play his final Test match in Bangladesh. Speaking to reporters during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, he stated that the government would ensure that Shakib received top-level security. “He is a player who has contributed a lot to the country. Since he wishes to play his final Test match in Bangladesh, I personally hope he gets that opportunity,” Mahmud said.

Speculations and Security Concerns

Ahead of the second Test between India and Bangladesh, Shakib had announced that the Test against South Africa in Mirpur would be his last. This announcement has led to discussions around his participation in the Bangladesh vs South Africa Test series. Shakib, who has also been named in a murder case alongside former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, may face political and legal challenges that could impact his ability to play in the series.

Government’s Commitment

Asif Mahmud emphasized the government’s focus on ensuring the safety of its athletes, specifically mentioning the commitment to Shakib’s security. He added, “We will absolutely provide the highest level of security for our player. If there are any allegations against anyone, that is a different issue. I cannot comment on that, as it falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Law. However, we have already committed to ensuring Shakib al Hasan’s security, and we will honour that commitment.”

Shakib’s Retirement and Future Plans

With Shakib having already played his final T20I game for Bangladesh during the 2024 T20 World Cup, his retirement from Test cricket has been a point of discussion. If the South Africa series proceeds as planned amidst the ongoing political unrest, it remains uncertain whether Shakib will take part, given the potential implications of his legal and political situation. Nonetheless, the government’s stance on providing necessary security could allow the star cricketer to end his Test career on home soil.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has approved the upcoming Test series between South Africa and Bangladesh after a security assessment. However, uncertainty looms over Bangladesh’s star all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, as questions remain about his participation due to safety concerns linked to ongoing political unrest.

CSA Approves Bangladesh Test Series The two-Test series between South Africa and Bangladesh will go ahead as scheduled, starting on October 21. The first match will be played in Dhaka, followed by the second Test in Chattogram. CSA’s decision came after a detailed security review by its safety team, which assessed the political situation in Bangladesh following recent unrest.

Despite earlier political instability, CSA deemed the environment stable enough for the tour, allowing the South African squad to continue their World Test Championship campaign with an arrival in Dhaka set for October 16.

Shakib Al Hasan’s Safety Concerns While the series is confirmed, Shakib Al Hasan’s role remains unclear. The all-rounder’s participation is under scrutiny due to security risks arising from his political affiliations. A former member of parliament with the Awami League, Shakib has faced public criticism for not speaking out during recent protests that led to the government’s fall. This has led to concerns about his safety on and off the field.

Bangladesh’s government has assured Shakib of standard security for national athletes. However, as noted by sports adviser Asif Mahmud, his dual role as a cricketer and politician complicates matters. “We will give Shakib the security a sportsperson is entitled to, but his political identity makes things difficult. The public’s anger towards his political role cannot be overlooked,” said Mahmud.

Shakib’s Political Stance and Possible Retirement Shakib Al Hasan recently added to the uncertainty by suggesting the upcoming Test in Dhaka could be his last. In a press conference, he indicated that his decision would depend on the ability of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the government to ensure his safety. While avoiding a direct response about his political views, Shakib’s ambiguous stance has further fueled speculation about his future in international cricket.

Government advisers suggest that Shakib should take a page from former Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza, who publicly clarified his political position following the unrest. Such transparency, they argue, could ease public anger and mitigate threats against Shakib.

Legal Complications Add to Shakib’s Dilemma Shakib’s involvement in a murder case linked to recent protests adds another layer of uncertainty. While over 140 individuals have been named in the case, the Bangladeshi law ministry has indicated that being named does not imply guilt. Still, these legal challenges contribute to the growing concerns around Shakib’s safety and availability for the Test series.

Since the start of the T20 World Cup, Shakib has been away from Bangladesh and reportedly plans to return to the USA, where his family is based, following the ongoing Kanpur Test. With his recent retirement from T20 internationals, questions about his future in Test cricket are more relevant than ever.

Shakib’s Future in the Series Remains Unclear As CSA confirms its tour of Bangladesh, the focus now shifts to whether Shakib Al Hasan will participate. His safety concerns, political connections, and legal entanglements have put his involvement in the Test series in doubt. The BCB and the Bangladeshi government are working to ensure Shakib’s security, but his final decision will hinge on whether he feels safe enough to compete in Dhaka later this month.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has revealed its 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against India, starting on October 6 in Gwalior. All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz makes his return to the T20I format, having already made a name in Tests and ODIs. Mehidy last played a T20I for Bangladesh in July 2023 and is expected to bring stability to the team in the absence of the legendary Shakib Al Hasan.

Shakib Al Hasan’s Retirement and Tribute
Shakib Al Hasan’s retirement from T20Is marks a significant transition for Bangladesh cricket. BCB Chief Selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain paid tribute to Shakib’s immense contribution and expressed confidence in Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s ability to fill the void. Hossain emphasized that while Shakib’s experience is irreplaceable, Mehidy’s role in the middle order, especially as a batter, could be pivotal.

New Faces in the Squad
The squad includes some interesting changes, with opener Parvez Hossain Emon and left-arm spinner Rakibul Hasan making their way back. However, Soumya Sarkar, who was part of Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup squad earlier in the year, has been omitted. While Emon and Rakibul have only played 3 T20Is for Bangladesh, they may find it challenging to break into a first XI that already features established players like Mahmudullah, Litton Das, Jaker Ali, and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.

Bangladesh T20I Squad for Series Against India

• Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt)
• Tanzid Hasan
• Parvez Hossain Emon
• Tawhid Hridoy
• Mahmudullah
• Litton Das
• Jaker Ali
• Mehidy Hasan Miraz
• Mahedi Hasan
• Rishad Hossain
• Mustafizur Rahman
• Taskin Ahmed
• Shoriful Islam
• Tanzim Hasan Sakib
• Rakibul Hasan

India T20I Squad for Series Against Bangladesh

• Suryakumar Yadav (c)
• Abhishek Sharma
• Sanju Samson (wk)
• Rinku Singh
• Hardik Pandya
• Riyan Parag
• Nitish Kumar Reddy
• Shivam Dube
• Washington Sundar
• Ravi Bishnoi
• Varun Chakaravarthy
• Jitesh Sharma (wk)
• Arshdeep Singh
• Harshit Rana
• Mayank Yadav

The upcoming series will mark the first for Bangladesh without Shakib Al Hasan in the T20I format, and all eyes will be on how the new squad performs against a young Indian side led by Suryakumar Yadav.

Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusinghe has confirmed that star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is fit to play in the second Test against India, despite concerns over a recent finger injury. The injury, sustained during the first Test in Chennai, had raised doubts about his participation in the upcoming match, but Shakib is now available for selection.

Hathurusinghe addressed the media after the team’s first training session in Kanpur, stating, “I haven’t heard any concerns from the physio. He is still eligible for selection.” Despite Shakib’s limited contribution with the ball in the first Test, where he bowled only 21 overs across both innings, the coach remains confident in his abilities.

Shakib’s performance with the bat was a highlight for Bangladesh in the first Test, where he scored 32 in the first innings and 25 in the second. While his recent form has been inconsistent, Hathurusinghe expressed faith in Shakib’s capability to bounce back, saying, “We know what he is capable of, and I’m sure he believes he can perform better.”

The second Test, crucial for both teams, will begin on Friday at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. Despite the political unrest in Bangladesh, Hathurusinghe assured that security is not a concern for the team, as the Indian cricket board is managing the situation.

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib al Hasan is currently under observation after experiencing discomfort in his right-hand finger during the 1st Test against India in Chennai. The veteran cricketer’s availability for the 2nd Test in Kanpur is uncertain, with selectors awaiting feedback from the team physio. Shakib struggled to bowl at full strength in the first game, frequently feeling discomfort due to the injury.

According to The Daily Star, selector Hannan Sarkar confirmed that the team is not rushing the decision on Shakib’s inclusion. While cleared for the 1st Test, Shakib started feeling pain after being hit by a delivery from Jasprit Bumrah and experiencing discomfort while bowling.

The team will assess his condition during the practice sessions in Kanpur before making a final decision.