Bangladesh’s seasoned all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is breathing a sigh of relief after successfully passing his third reassessment test for bowling action in England. This momentous approval comes after a challenging six-month period, during which Shakib dealt with the immense pressure of being sidelined from bowling due to legal action concerns.
The turmoil began when Shakib Al Hasan was reported for a suspect bowling action during a County Championship match for Surrey against Somerset in September 2024.
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Following a formal evaluation by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), his bowling was declared illegal, leading to two failed reassessments that further complicated his situation, eventually resulting in a suspension from bowling.
With the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) overlooking him for the Champions Trophy, citing a desire not to select him solely as a batter, Shakib Al Hasan expressed his disappointment but acknowledged that improved communication might have eased his frustrations. “If the communication was better, I would have been happier,” he shared with Cricbuzz.
Longing for a chance to train with his childhood mentor Mohammad Salahuddin before the initial tests, Shakib Al Hasan faced obstacles as the BCB ignored his pleas. Many insiders believe this lack of support hindered his performance, ultimately affecting his aspirations of ending his ODI career post-Champions Trophy.
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Thanks to the extensive coaching from Surrey’s Gareth Batty and close guidance from his childhood friend Sirajullah Khadem, also known as Nipu, Shakib underwent solid preparation ahead of the third assessment. “We trained for four to five hours daily, and he bowled extensively, which proved fruitful,” Nipu remarked.
Shakib’s determination to rectify his bowling action has paid off, raising hopes of his return to international cricket. As discussions around his potential selection by the BCB commence, fans eagerly anticipate watching one of cricket’s finest all-rounders back in action.
