Shakib Al Hasan’s action ruled illegal, suspended from bowling in ECB-run events

ECB suspended the all-rounder from bowling after testing reveals his action exceeds legal limits.

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Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been suspended from bowling in all competitions organised by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), after his bowling action was deemed illegal following independent testing at Loughborough University earlier this month.

Shakib’s action had come under scrutiny during his one-off appearance for Surrey in the County Championship against Somerset in September 2024. Umpires had reported the suspect action, leading to a subsequent investigation.

The results from the independent testing, received by the ECB on December 10, confirmed that Shakib’s degree of elbow extension exceeded the 15-degree limit set by regulations, making his action illegal for official competition.

To resume bowling in ECB-run events, Shakib will need to undergo a reassessment of his action, with the elbow extension needing to fall below the 15-degree threshold.

Shakib had claimed nine wickets in the September match for Surrey in Taunton, which marked his first appearance in county cricket since the 2010-11 season.

This suspension adds to a turbulent period in Shakib's career.

As a member of parliament for the ruling Awami League, Shakib has been at the centre of political unrest in Bangladesh. His political affiliations have drawn criticism, particularly amid protests earlier this year which saw the country’s prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, flee the nation.

In September, Shakib announced his retirement from T20 internationals. He later chose not to return to Bangladesh for his farewell Test match against South Africa in October, citing the ongoing political unrest in Dhaka. Shakib’s decision to withdraw from the Test marked a significant departure from international cricket.

This year is not the first time Shakib has faced major setbacks. In 2019, he was handed a two-year ban, with one year suspended, after breaching the ICC’s anti-corruption code.