RKI Webdesk

LONDON: Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been banned from bowling in England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) competitions after his bowling action was deemed illegal.

The suspension follows a report by the umpires during Shakib’s appearance for Surrey in the County Championship against Somerset in September. The 37-year-old left-arm spinner was specifically signed by Surrey for the critical match, where the pitch was expected to favor spin bowling. Shakib played a key role, taking nine wickets across both innings in Surrey’s 111-run defeat, which, however, did not affect their title victory.

An official statement from the ECB confirmed the suspension, stating that Shakib’s action was assessed after the game, revealing that his elbow extension exceeded the 15-degree threshold set by the regulations. The assessment took place at Loughborough University earlier this month.

The suspension, effective from December 10, 2024, will prevent Shakib from bowling in ECB competitions until he successfully passes an independent re-assessment of his action.

Shakib, who has not signed a county contract for the 2025 season, has an extensive international career with 71 Tests, 247 One-Day Internationals, and 129 Twenty20 Internationals, during which he has taken a total of 712 wickets.