Shakib Al Hasan faces bowling ban over suspect action scandal

Bangladesh has been significantly affected by the recent decision made by the England and Wales Cricket Board regarding Shakib Al Hasan, a prominent cricketer known for being the leading Test wicket-taker for the nation. In September 2024, during a county championship match while playing for Surrey, he was reported by umpires for a suspect bowling action. This incident occurred as he played a crucial role in filling in for regular spinners who were absent due to international duty, finishing the match with nine wickets for 193 runs against Somerset, but ultimately, Surrey lost the contest by 111 runs. Following the report, an independent assessment was conducted at Loughborough University, and it was confirmed that Shakib's elbow extension exceeded the permitted 15-degree threshold, leading to his suspension. As a result, the ECB imposed a ban on him participating in bowling in all competitions regulated under their jurisdiction, which also affects his ability to bowl in international matches due to protocols that extend the suspension worldwide. The ban is significant not only for Shakib personally but also for Bangladesh cricket, as he has accumulated an impressive record, boasting 246 Test wickets and 712 wickets across all formats. This decision creates uncertainty regarding his future participation in upcoming matches and tournaments, as he will not be permitted to bowl until he passes a reassessment that ensures compliance with bowling action regulations. Such actions illustrate the rigorous standards enforced to maintain fairness and integrity in the sport, though their implications may be felt broadly by players and teams reliant on the skills of key individuals like Shakib.