Bangladesh’s renowned all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, has recently been reported for a suspect bowling action during his brief tenure with Surrey in the County Championship. During this singular appearance against Somerset, the match umpires flagged Shakib’s bowling action, prompting the call for a detailed analysis to ensure compliance with cricket regulation standards.
The 37-year-old, celebrated for his exceptional contributions to cricket, joined Surrey at a critical juncture when the team was missing eight players due to England national duties. This marked Shakib’s return to the English domestic circuit since his campaign with Worcestershire during the 2010-11 season. His performance in the match was commendable, bowling a total of 63 overs and claiming nine wickets. However, despite his valiant efforts, Surrey succumbed to a 111-run defeat against Somerset. It’s important to note that during the match, none of his deliveries were signaled as no-balls due to an illegal bowling action, which makes the subsequent report by umpires Steve O’Shaughnessy and David Millns intriguing.
For Shakib Al Hasan, this is a first in his extensive career that dates back to 2005, when he began his journey in domestic cricket. Over the years, he has become an integral force, taking an impressive 712 wickets in 447 international matches. Specifically, he boasts 246 wickets in Test cricket, 317 in One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 149 in the shortest format of the game. His formidable statistics stand testimony to his skills and contributions to the game.
Currently, Shakib finds himself away from active cricket. Having retired from T20 Internationals, Shakib had ambitions of bidding farewell to Test cricket in style, hoping to play his final match in Dhaka.
. Unfortunately, these plans could not come to fruition due to ongoing protests in Bangladesh. As the situation stands, his participation is limited to ODIs, although he is notably absent from Bangladesh’s ODI squad for their upcoming series against Afghanistan, which kicks off on November 6 in Sharjah.
The exclusion of Shakib from the ODI squad raises eyebrows and highlights a transformative moment in the team’s composition. The squad for the Afghanistan series has been announced as follows: Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Zakir Hasan, Nazmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, and Nahid Rana.
Shakib’s situation presents a broader discussion within the cricketing community, bringing up questions about the sustainability and assessment of bowling actions within the modern game. Over the years, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has tightened regulations regarding bowling actions, ensuring fair play and competitiveness. However, the surprise scrutiny of an established player like Shakib Al Hasan with an unblemished record is a stark reminder of the ever-evolving standards in cricket’s regulatory environment.
His absence also underscores the evolving dynamics in Bangladesh cricket, which needs to adapt and fill the void left by one of its stalwarts. Young talents like Tanzid Hasan and Towhid Hridoy will be keen on making a mark and solidifying their positions in the national squad.
As Shakib prepares for the analysis of his bowling action, the cricket fraternity will be watching closely. His journey continues to captivate fans worldwide, reflecting both the tumultuous nature of a professional athlete’s career and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines legends such as himself. While the focus remains on the outcomes of the analysis, Shakib’s contributions to cricket, characterized by his prowess and unyielding spirit, firmly establish him as a pivotal figure in the annals of cricketing history.
