ECB tournament bowling suspension for Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan, a seasoned all-rounder and former captain of Bangladesh, will not be permitted to bowl in England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) tournaments due to an unlawful bowling motion.

“Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been suspended from bowling in ECB competitions following an independent assessment of his bowling action,” the ECB stated in a statement. “Shakib was playing for Surrey in the County Championship match against Somerset in September when the standing umpires reported his action.

“Earlier this month, Shakib had an independent evaluation at Loughborough University, which revealed that his elbow extension in his bowling motion went over the 15-degree limit specified by the rules.

“This suspension takes effect from the receipt of the independent assessment on 10 December 2024.”

Because the Taunton pitch was expected to favor spin bowlers, Surrey especially signed 37-year-old Shakib, who bowls left-arm spin in addition to being a more than serviceable batter, for the crucial match against title challengers Somerset.

Shakib proved his mettle by taking nine wickets in both innings despite Surrey’s 111-run defeat, and his team went on to win the title in spite of this setback.

Until he passes an impartial evaluation of his bowling technique, the seasoned bowler—who has not been contracted by any English county for the 2025 season—cannot bowl in ECB contests.