Shakib Al Hasan, the renowned allrounder from Bangladesh, finds himself at the center of scrutiny regarding his bowling action following a recent match in the County Championship. The England and Wales Cricket Board has mandated an analysis of his bowling mechanism after concerns were raised by the match officials during his appearance for Surrey. This occurrence took place during a high-stakes confrontation with Somerset in September, where Shakib managed to secure nine wickets, marking his first involvement in the County Championship since his brief tenure with Worcestershire over a decade ago.
At the age of 37, Shakib joined Surrey on a temporary contract to enhance their bowling options during a crucial phase in the competition. Over the course of the season, several of Surrey’s primary players were engaged with the England national team. Notably, both of Surrey’s leading spinners, Will Jacks and Dan Lawrence, were unavailable. Shakib's participation was anticipated to bolster the team during their pursuit of the County Championship title.
Despite Shakib's impressive performance, Somerset clinched a notable 111-run victory in a match that temporarily disrupted Surrey's pursuit of their third consecutive Championship title. During this grueling encounter, Shakib delivered more than 63 overs. Although he faced no no-balls for throwing during the game, umpires Steve O'Shaughnessy and David Millns later expressed concerns about the legality of his bowling action. Currently, Shakib is not suspended from participating in cricket matches. However, reports suggest that he is in discussions for undergoing comprehensive tests at an accredited facility. These evaluations are anticipated to take place in the coming weeks.
This situation marks a significant moment in Shakib’s long and commendable career, which has spanned over two decades and seen him accrue a staggering total of 712 wickets in 447 international appearances, including 246 wickets in 71 Test matches. It is noteworthy that this is the first instance where Shakib's bowling action has come under the microscope, raising questions about the future of his playing career.
Shakib's international prospects have also been uncertain following his withdrawal from the Bangladesh Test squad for the match against South Africa in Mirpur. His decision was influenced by security concerns amid widespread protests in the country. Shakib's political background further complicates his current situation, as he has previously served as a Member of Parliament for the Awami League, a ruling party that was displaced during significant student protests in July.
As cricket fans in India and around the world monitor these developments, the focus will remain on how Shakib will navigate this challenge, both in terms of his bowling action analysis and his future with the Bangladesh national team. The cricketing community holds Shakib in high regard, and there is a collective anticipation regarding the outcomes of the forthcoming assessments and the potential implications for his illustrious career.