Shakib Al Hasan clears reassessment test for suspect bowling action

Bangladesh veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has finally cleared the reassessment test for suspect bowling action. The slow left-arm bowler had failed the test twice before.

The trouble began for Shakib after he participated in a County Championship game in September 2024, representing Surrey against Somerset at Taunton. Following the match, he was suspended by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) from bowling in all their competitions after undergoing a test at Loughborough University. The extension of his elbow at the time of release was going beyond the 15-degree acceptable limit.

Shakib then underwent a second test at Sri Ramachandra Centre for Sports Science in Chennai in December 2024. As a result of his suspension, his selection to the national team was impacted. He also missed the Champions Trophy as the selectors did not want to pick him as a specialist batter. It is being reported that he had designated it to be his farewell tournament in international cricket.

Meanwhile, Shakib confirmed the news of him clearing the test the third time.

"The news is right (passing about the bowling test) and I am cleared to bowl again," Shakib said, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

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Tough last few months for Shakib

Shakib did not only suffer an on-field cricketing setback but also an off-field one. He was a Member of Parliament for the then ruling Awami League under and against whom the quota reform protests and the subsequent unrest across the country transpired, starting June 2024. The movement grew so strong and intense that it brought down the government and compelled the party members to flee or stay away from Bangladesh if they were abroad.

Shakib was criticised by the masses during and after the unrest for not speaking out even once. He finally broke his silence in October 2024 and apologised for his actions.