Huge blow for Bangladesh ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as Shakib Al Hasan fails bowling action test again

Shakib Al Hasan was Bangladesh’s leading run scorer in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

Bangladesh have suffered a huge blow with veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan failing his bowling action test for the second time. His latest independent test was held at the Sri Ramachandra Centre for Sports Science in Chennai.

Shakib had failed his first test at the United Kingdom’s Loughborough University late last year after he was reported for a suspect action during a County match in September.

As per the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) regulations, the suspension was automatically enforced by all national cricket boards and applies to both international and domestic competitions.

However, Shakib remains eligible to continue playing as a batsman in all formats of cricket.

The last few months have been challenging for Shakib. He last played for Bangladesh in October 2024 during the two-match test series against India. After the series, he couldn’t return home because of angst among the public over his political stances.

His second failed bowling test has come just ahead of Bangladesh’s squad announcement for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Reports suggest that ODI captain Najmul Hossain Shanto had already agreed to include Shakib in the squad, but his inability to bowl might now impact that decision.

BCB on Shakib Al Hasan’s suspension

In a statement released on Saturday, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed that Shakib’s suspension will remain in effect. The board emphasized that a successful reassessment of his bowling action is required before the suspension can be lifted.

The statement read, “Consequently, the player’s existing suspension from bowling in international cricket following the initial independent assessment at the testing centre of Loughborough University in the UK, also remains in place. A successful reassessment is required for the bowling suspension to be lifted.“

The BCB clarified that despite Shakib’s bowling suspension, the 37-year-old is still eligible to play as a batsman.

“While Shakib is currently unable to bowl, he is eligible to continue playing as a batsman in all forms of domestic and international cricket.“

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