Shakib Al Hasan faces suspension from bowling due to an illegal action assessment. His next steps will determine his future in competitive cricket.
Shakib Al Hasan, the renowned Bangladeshi cricketer, has received a suspension from bowling in all competitions organized by the England and Wales Cricket Board. This decision stems from an independent assessment of his bowling action conducted at Loughborough University, where it was deemed illegal. The testing, part of a rigorous process to ensure fair play in cricket, raised concerns about the degree of elbow extension in Shakib’s bowling action, a critical factor in maintaining the integrity of the sport.
The umpires first flagged Shakib’s bowling action during a match in September when he made a one-off appearance for Surrey in the County Championship. Following this incident, the ECB mandated an independent reassessment of his bowling technique after the results from the initial evaluation indicated that his elbow extension exceeded the permissible limit. According to the regulations set forth, any bowler must maintain an elbow extension of less than 15 degrees during delivery; failure to meet this standard results in suspension from bowling during matches.
The official start date of Shakib’s suspension is recorded as December 10. This date marks when the ECB was notified of the findings from his assessment. In his recent outing for Surrey at Taunton, Shakib demonstrated his skill by claiming nine wickets, marking a noteworthy return to English county cricket nearly a decade after his last appearance in the format, which was during the 2010-11 season.
However, Shakib’s trajectory in international cricket has not been only about his achievements on the field. His career has faced significant hurdles due to political controversies in Bangladesh. Recently, he has been a pivotal figure in the political landscape as a Member of Parliament for the Awami League government, which was dissolved due to widespread protests earlier this year. Tragically, these protests resulted in the loss of many civilian lives, predominantly those of university students. The fallout from this political turmoil has severely impacted Shakib’s standing both at home and abroad.
Amidst these controversies, Shakib announced his retirement from T20 Internationals and subsequently decided against returning to Bangladesh for what was intended to be his farewell Test match in Mirpur in October. This decision came in light of the escalating tensions and protests surrounding his political position, which created a fraught environment in Dhaka. His choice to withdraw from such a significant match underscores the complexities that have now intertwined his cricketing career with his political life.
As a player of immense caliber, Shakib has not only made significant contributions to his national team but also to the cricketing world at large. Yet, since his non-participation in the farewell Test, he has been inactive on the international stage, having not represented Bangladesh in any format of the game since. His absence raises questions about both his future in cricket and the potential for a return to international play.
To lift the suspension imposed by the ECB, Shakib must successfully navigate the reassessment of his bowling action, adhering to the regulations surrounding elbow extension. This evaluation will play a critical role in determining his future participation in competitive cricket, particularly in leagues and tournaments that fall under the auspices of the ECB.
Shakib Al Hasan remains a significant figure in the cricketing landscape, with his career illustrating both remarkable talent and the complexities of navigating personal and professional challenges. The outcome of his upcoming reassessment will not only influence his career trajectory but also impact the broader narrative surrounding cricket in Bangladesh, a country that has rallied behind its sports heroes even in times of adversity.
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