Related Articles
Bangladesh cricket faced a major blow ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan failed a second bowling action test conducted at the Sri Ramachandra Centre for Sports Science in Chennai last month.
The 37-year-old, a key figure in Bangladesh’s cricketing setup, was first reported for a suspect bowling action during a one-off appearance for Surrey in the County Championship in September 2024. On-field umpires Steve O’Shaughnessy and David Millns raised concerns about his left-arm spin action.
Table of content
Failed Bowling Assessments
Following the report, Shakib underwent an initial assessment at Loughborough University, an ICC-accredited testing center in the UK. He failed the test, receiving a suspension from bowling in any international or domestic format as of December 15, 2024. Despite undergoing reassessment in Chennai, his bowling suspension remains unchanged.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the development in a statement:
“The player’s existing suspension from bowling in international cricket following the initial independent assessment remains in place. A successful reassessment is required for the suspension to be lifted.”
Also Check: Gautam Gambhir: The New Greg Chappell of Indian Cricket? Ex-Batter Responds to Controversy
Eligible as a Specialist Batter
Despite the setback, Shakib is still eligible to play as a specialist batter for Bangladesh. The BCB reaffirmed his availability in this capacity, stating:
“While Shakib is currently unable to bowl, he is eligible to continue playing as a batsman in all forms of domestic and international cricket.”
Both captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and BCB president Faruque Ahmed have expressed their support for Shakib’s inclusion in the squad as a batsman for the Champions Trophy.
Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy Campaign
Bangladesh will kick off their Champions Trophy campaign against India on February 20 in Dubai. All participating teams are required to finalize and submit their squads by January 12.
Shakib’s Recent Cricket Journey
Shakib last represented Bangladesh in a two-match Test series against India, which ended in a 0-2 defeat. The seasoned cricketer, with 4609 runs and 246 wickets in Tests, 7570 runs and 317 wickets in ODIs, and 2551 runs and 149 wickets in T20Is, has not returned to Bangladesh since skipping his farewell Test against South Africa in Mirpur, citing political unrest in Dhaka.
As Bangladesh prepares for the Champions Trophy, the team’s performance without Shakib’s bowling capabilities will be closely monitored, adding pressure to their campaign on cricket’s global stage.
