Shakib Al Hassan played as a Batsman until he corrects the flaws in his bowling action.
Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s star all-rounder, is known for his aggressive batting and clever left-arm spin bowling. He is one of the most successful cricketer in the international arena. However, a recent decision by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has thrown a shadow over his career. He failed the bowling action assessment test at Loughborough University, an ICC-accredited testing centre in the UK. Earlier Shakib’s bowling action has been banned by the ECB, following concerns over its legality.
What Happened?
ECB banned Shakib Al Hasan’s bowling action after a routine assessment during his stint in England. The ban came about after the International Cricket Council (ICC) imposed stricter guidelines on bowlers whose actions were deemed suspect. The ICC’s regulations require bowlers to adhere to a certain degree of elbow flexibility — 15 degrees being the upper limit while delivering their deliveries.
Shakib, who has faced similar issues in the past regarding his action, was reportedly given a warning in previous years but had never been subjected to a full ban before. Despite the controversy surrounding his bowling action, he had been allowed to continue bowling in international cricket under supervision. The recent ban by the ECB, however, means Shakib will not be allowed to bowl in any ICC-approved competitions, both domestic and international matches until he corrects the flaws in his action.
The Impact of the Ban
Currently, he is playing in the Lanka T10 league, where he did not bowl in the last two matches for his team.
Shakib has long been regarded as one of the best all-rounders in modern-day cricket. His contributions with both bat and ball have been instrumental in many of Bangladesh’s victories, and his absence from bowling in official matches could have a huge impact on his team’s performance, especially in the limited-overs formats where his bowling is crucial.
From a personal perspective, this suspension could represent a significant blow to Shakib’s career. Although he has built a reputation for his batting but his bowling has always been a key part of his success. Shakib’s skill in controlling the middle overs, taking crucial wickets, and being a reliable spinner in pressure situations has made him indispensable for Bangladesh.
What Led to the Ban?
The ECB, in collaboration with the ICC’s designated umpires and match officials, decided to reassess his bowling action following multiple complaints and observations made during recent competitions. After a thorough review, the ECB concluded that Shakib’s action is exceeding the 15-degree tolerance limit. Leading to the imposition of a ban on his bowling activities in ICC-controlled competitions.
What’s Next for Shakib?
Shakib Al Hasan now faces the challenge of fixing his bowling action, a task that requires both time and effort. Once a bowler is banned for an illegal action, they must undergo a series of assessments and corrective procedures to get their action cleared. It is important to note that while the ECB has banned Shakib from bowling, this does not necessarily mean he is banned from international cricket. Shakib can still play in the Bangladesh national team as a batsman.
The Stricter Standards in Cricket
The banning of Shakib’s bowling action is part of a growing trend in cricket where governing bodies are taking a more strict approach toward illegal actions. The ICC’s 15-degree elbow extension rule is part of an effort to ensure fairness and consistency in the game, but it has led to several high-profile bowlers being banned or required to modify their techniques. While some players, like Shakib, have managed to bounce back after addressing their actions, others have struggled to regain their previous form.