Shakib Cleared to Bowl Again, Eyes Return to Cricket

Staff Correspondent; Cricket 2025-03-20, 6:59pm

Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been cleared to resume bowling in competitive cricket after a successful reassessment of his action at Loughborough. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) granted Shakib the green light, enabling him to return to domestic and international cricket after being sidelined since September 2024.

Shakib, who has never been previously reported for a suspect action in his two-decade-long career, was initially flagged during a County Championship match with Surrey against Somerset. Subsequent tests revealed irregularities, leading to his suspension from all formats under ICC regulations.

His path to clearance wasn’t easy. Shakib failed two assessments—one in Loughborough last year and another in Chennai this January—resulting in his exclusion from Bangladesh's Champions Trophy squad. At that time, Shakib had hinted at retiring from international cricket after the tournament.

A Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) statement confirmed that Shakib had successfully corrected his bowling action, allowing him to return to the field in both domestic and franchise leagues. With ECB’s approval, he is now eligible for the County Championship and The Hundred, where his all-round abilities have made him a sought-after player.

While it remains uncertain if Shakib will extend his international career, the two years leading up to the 2027 World Cup could offer a window for him to reconsider. His return to bowling could be a significant asset to the Bangladesh team.